Timing of Introduction of Solids and Early-Onset Allergic Disease

Purpose of review: The ‘ideal’ age to commence introduction to any solid foods, or specific ‘more allergenic’ foods, as an allergy prevention strategy has been debated for the last two decades. Recent findings: Observational studies have indicated that introducing any solid foods prior to four months of age was associated with an increased risk of allergic disease. On the other hand, delayed introduction (beyond 6–10 months) of ‘more allergenic’ foods (including dairy foods, fish and egg) has also been associated with an increased risk of allergies. More recently, three randomised controlled trials have suggested that there is no reason to delay the introduction of the ‘more allergenic’ foods after solid foods have commenced, and have provided some data to suggest that sensitisation may occur at a much earlier stage. Summary: Strategies to prevent early-life food allergen sensitisation prior to commencement of solid foods are needed and should be the focus of future research. © 2016, Springer Science + Business Media New York.