Food Allergy: Is My Baby At Risk?
Food Allergies-Whether you are allergic or not, your child may have food allergies.
- What are the risks?
- How to reduce them?
Here are the answers to your questions.
Is my baby at risk of developing food allergies if …
- I am allergic
Yes. The risk is higher if you have a food allergy or other allergic disorder, such as:
- Asthma
- Eczema
- Allergic rhinitis
Even if the risk is higher, it is not guaranteed that your child will have food allergies. Less than one in twelve children develop a food allergy early in life. This allergy can however disappear with age.
Did you know that?
- Over 65% of allergies to milk, eggs and wheat disappear with age.
- 10 to 20% of allergies to nuts and peanuts disappear with age.
- My spouse and children are allergic
Yes. The risk to your baby is higher if your spouse or children have an allergic disorder (including food allergies).
The risk is even higher if you and your partner both have an allergic disorder.
Food Allergies
Did you know that?
The risk of allergy increases by 30% if one of the two parents is allergic. It can go up to 80% if both parents are allergic.
- A distant family member is allergic
The risk is lower with other family members (uncle, aunt, cousin, cousin, grandparents). So if your uncle or cousin is allergic, it is unlikely to affect your baby.
- No one in my family is allergic
Are there no allergies in the family? So much the better! However, this does not guarantee 100% that your baby will never be allergic. For 10 to 15% of cases of food allergies, there is no allergy in the family.
Did you know that?
Avoiding certain foods during pregnancy and breastfeeding does not decrease the risk of food allergy.
Can I reduce the risk of food allergy in my baby?
Yes, when it’s time to introduce baby food. Offer allergenic foods as soon as possible to decrease the risk of allergies.
Read Also,