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A review by Canadian physicians suggests parents can help prevent food allergies in their children by introducing allergenic foods early. The authors show that with a few exceptions, introducing these foods between four and six months of age can safely help prevent the development of food allergies.

The authors recommend exposing infants at low risk of developing a food allergy to the food at a low dose, and then continually exposing the child to maintain the tolerance. For children at high risk of developing a food allergy, such as children of parents with a severe peanut allergy, the authors recommend avoiding the food until otherwise directed by a physician.

Original research paper published in CMAJ on October 20, 2015.

Names and affiliations of selected author

Elissa M. Abrams, Pediatric Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba