A new focus is developing in the area of primary prevention of food allergies. Expecting mothers with a history of atopy in their family, and/or in their spouses' family, are now being advised to modify their diet during pregnancy and while lactating, to exclude highly allergenic, potentially life-threatening allergens from their diet, such as peanuts. ¹

Another step that may assist in food allergy prevention is the maternal consumption of specific probiotics during pregnancy and lactation. Lactobaccillus Rhamnosus (GG), is recommended as the strain of choice. A unique characteristic of this strain of probiotic is that it is able to survive the stomach acid and bile, and proceed intact to the intestines (important for having an impact on intestinal permeability). ²The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology states that, "Administering probiotics during pregnancy and breast-feeding thus offers a safe and effective mode of promoting the immunoprotective potential of breast-feeding and provides protection against atopic eczema during the first 2 years of life." ³

When purchasing Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, ensure it is not cultured in dairy. There are several dairy free varieties that are instead cultured in chicory root .

Lactobacillus casei has also been shown to have a preventive effect on allergic reactions. It was actually show to diminish systemic anaphylaxis.⁴

Breastfeeding should be the feeding method of choice for any infant, but especially for an infant at high risk of developing atopic disease. Supplementation with formula should be avoided. Several studies have linked cow's milk allergy in breastfed infants to a first meal of milk based formula in the hospital. Some information suggests that the time immediately prior to and immediately following the birth of an infant are very crucial in the course of atopy, so be adamant with hospital staff about your desire to breastfeed exclusively.

Careful introduction of solid foods to allergic infants also plays a significant role in the primary prevention of allergic disease. When solid introduction is delayed until past 6 months of age, and highly allergenic foods are avoided during the first one to three years of life, the incidence and severity of food allergies is decreased.

Allergy Prevention

More detail on allergy prevention




¹Dr. Hugh Sampson, in Parents Magazine
²Probiotics in primary prevention of atopic disease: a randomised placebo-controlled trial Marko Kalliomäki, Seppo Salminen, Heikki Arvilommi, Pentti Kero, Pertti Koskinen, Erika Isolauri, The Lancet, Volume 357, Number 9262 07 April 2001
³Journal of Allergy Clinical Immunology 2002;109:119-21.
⁴ Clinical & Experimental Allergy, Volume 32 Issue 4 Page 563 - April 2002

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