Feasibility and Safety of the Early Introduction of Allergenic Foods in Asian Infants with Eczema

Abstract

Background: There is a lack of data regarding the early introduction of the consumption of allergenic food among Asian infants. Methods: We examined infants who had early-onset eczema before 6 months of age and received instructions from certified allergists for the early introduction of hen’s eggs, milk, wheat, peanuts, and tree nuts. Results: The consumption rates of hen’s eggs were 100% at 24 months. For peanuts and walnuts, the consumption rate was moderate at 12 months (48.5% and 30.3%, respectively), but by 24 months, it had progressed to 78.8% and 81.3%, respectively. In contrast, cashews remained at lower levels than other allergens at 20.7% at 12 months and 41.4% at 24 months. No adverse events related to early introductions occurred. Conclusions: In infants with eczema, allergenic foods could be introduced early and well tolerated in Asian infants. However, having eczema may indicate a predisposition to food allergies, so caution is necessary when introducing allergenic foods. The early introduction of peanuts and tree nuts was still more challenging in real-world practice in Asia as well as in Western countries.

Keywords

• food allergy
• early introduction
• infant
• eczema