Could exposing young children to allergy-triggering foods actually help prevent allergies? Some researchers believe so, but experts warn it’s not that simple. Here’s what you need to know about the controversial method.
Early exposure might train the immune system
Recent research suggests that giving small, controlled amounts of allergenic foods to young children could help their immune systems learn to tolerate them instead of overreacting.
The method is called oral immunotherapy
This approach is known as oral immunotherapy and involves gradually introducing allergenic foods like peanuts or eggs to children in precise, controlled doses over time.
Not all foods have been studied
Most research has focused on peanuts. Whether the method works for other common allergens like milk, soy, or fish remains unclear and unproven.
Genetics may affect the outcome
Some children outgrow certain allergies naturally, especially to milk or eggs. It’s hard to know if oral immunotherapy is responsible for improvement, or if the child would have outgrown the allergy anyway.
The right timing is unknown
Experts don’t yet know when it’s best to start exposing children to allergenic foods. There may be a specific “window of opportunity,” but research hasn’t pinned it down.
The treatment isn’t risk-free
Oral immunotherapy can cause side effects. Some children experience stomach pain, while others may have serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, during treatment.
It’s not a cure
The goal of this therapy is to reduce the risk of severe reactions, not to eliminate the allergy entirely. Children undergoing treatment may still need to avoid large amounts of the allergenic food.
It requires long-term commitment
Successful immunotherapy often means children must continue consuming small amounts of the allergenic food daily, possibly for the rest of their lives, to maintain tolerance.
The method must be supervised
Introducing allergenic foods to allergic children should only happen under medical supervision. Doctors carefully control the dose to avoid triggering dangerous reactions.
The Canadian study has limitations
While the Canadian researchers behind the recent study suggest early exposure may help, Danish experts warn that the study lacks clear criteria and may give the wrong impression to parents.
More research is needed
International researchers agree: We need much more data before recommending early allergen exposure as a general strategy for allergy prevention.
This article is based on information from Videnskab.dk