Preventing Food Allergy - Guide to Prudent Weaning

In my previous post on Food Allergy, probiotics have been mentioned as an important element to prevent food allergy. It has also been reported to be an important factor in reducing the risk of colic among young babies. So, what exactly are probiotics?

Probiotics are live cultures of friendly bacteria that are used as food ingredients. When ingested, they offer health benefits to the host such as:-

• Protection against allergic diseases
• Protection against intestinal infections which may cause diarrhea
• Help in the absorption of minerals
• Help in the synthesis of vitamins B and K

Breast milk is still the most important source with special properties to promote and encourage the growth of probiotics.

In this final part on Prevention of Food Allergy, we will look at a simple guide to prodent weaning. We will look at types of food that is safe to introduce to infants and at what age to best avoid the development and risk of food allergy.

Foods which are LEAST LIKELY to cause food allergic reactions (to be introduced from 6 months)

• Rice, Carrot, Pear, Apple, Prune

Foods which are usually well tolerated, but OCCASIONALLY CAUSE allergic reactions (to be introduced from 6 months)

• Barley, Oats, Wheat, Beef, Lamb, Chicken, Broccoli, Cabbage, Potato, Spinach, Corn (and corn oil), Banana, Turnip

Foods which are MOST LIKELY to cause allergic reactions (to be introduced from 9 months)

• Egg Yolk (must be fully cooked), Legumes (soya beans, beans), Fish

Foods which are HIGHLY ALLERGNIC (to be introduced from 12 months)

• Seafood (prawns, crabs, dried and fresh scallop), Egg White, Peanuts

Happy Weaning!

Other related post:-
Preventing Food Allergy – The role of bifidobacteria
Preventing Food Allergy – Causes and Symptoms
Preventing Food Allergy – Is my baby at risk

Ryans’ First solid milestone post:-
Milestone – Ryan’s First solid (Part 1)
Milestone – Ryan’s First solid (Part 2)
First Solids – Taste of Apple
First Solids – Taste of Pear