The way in which children are fed early in life may have a direct effect on the subsequent development of allergic diseases. The GA2LEN nutrition team has reviewed the evidence on more than 20 nutrients and defined fertile topics for future research. Key findings concerned breastfeeding, early diet and probiotics.

Exclusive breastfeeding in the first four months is believed to be effective in reducing the risk of subsequent development of allergic diseases, such as cow's milk protein allergy, dermatitis (skin allergy) and asthma. However, the longer term effects of breast feeding on allergic outcomes are not known and require investigation.

Components of the diet may have a protective effect too, such as antioxidants, but it is difficult to find clear-cut evidence as research conducted to date has not been systematic in its approach. Finally the role of probiotics and prebiotics in the diet is promising: a study has recently shown that they can help reduce the risk of atopic disease by producing changes in the bacteria in the gut that stimulate the immune system.

The GA2LEN review highlighted several areas in nutrition that should be explored further with large scale research in allergic diseases. There are notably gaps in relation to specific effects of maternal and infant nutrition on allergy and asthma in later life and key focuses could include supplementation with specific fats or probiotics.

Notes

1. GA2LEN is a Network of Excellence funded by the European Union.

2. Workpackage 2.1 Nutrition: Prof. Calder, University of Southampton, UK. p.c.calder@soton.ac.uk

3. The full list of indicators comprises: Sodium and potassium, magnesium, intake of lipids including fatty acids in milk, butter, vegetable oils and fish, antioxidants, including fruit and vegetable intake, flavonoids and flavonoid-rich foods, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, b-Carotene, Vitamin A, selenium, zinc and copper, and probiotics and prebiotics.