Evidence supports that early introduction of common allergenic foods during complementary feeding from around six months of age, as part of a varied diet, may reduce the risk of developing certain food allergies in some infants. This applies when the infant is developmentally ready for solid foods and has no existing severe eczema or known food allergy that would require specialist assessment first. Breastfeeding also supports overall infant immunity. For infants considered at higher risk, such as those with severe eczema, medical advice should be sought before introducing high-risk foods to ensure this is done safely and appropriately.
Written by Dr. Nayan Mani Deka, MBBS (Gauhati Medical College, 2003), MD Paediatrics (GMCH Gauhati, 2008), Diploma in Allergy and Asthma (CMC Vellore), Certified PALS, APLS, NSSK, Consultant Paediatrician, Asthma Allergy Specialist and Immunotherapist, Pratiksha Rainbow Children's Hospital, VIP Road, Borbari, Guwahati, Assam 781036. Phone: +91 9436732863 / +91 6000714825.
