Can children outgrow food allergies?

Organix, the organic foods and snacks kids brand, has highlighted the concerning levels of confusion and uncertainty among parents regarding allergies in their children. Research funded by the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, in conjunction with an NHS trial, revealed that children participating in the "life-transforming clinical trial" have been able to enjoy foods that would have previously caused severe allergic reactions. The survey results are shocking, showing that over a quarter (29%) of parents believe in an approach that directly contradicts NHS guidelines when it comes to introducing their children to common allergens. Additionally, a significant number of others are unclear about what allergic reactions involve and what can cause them. Meanwhile, only 6% were certain that their children could naturally outgrow their allergy.

To dispel common myths about how and when to introduce children to allergens and shed some light on whether it is possible to outgrow food allergies, Organix has teamed up with nutrition expert and dietitian Nichola Ludlam-Raine. Based on her expertise and experiences as a mother of children with allergies, she is well-positioned to debunk and clarify widespread misconceptions.

CHILDREN CAN OUTGROW FOOD ALLERGIES: CORRECT
When surveying parents at the Baby and Toddler Show, Organix found that just 6% think children will naturally outgrow food allergies as they develop. While it cannot be controlled, some food allergies can, in fact, fade away over time, with allergies to egg, milk, and soy the most likely to be lost and children more likely to outgrow their allergies the older they get. That being said, nut and shellfish allergies are the most difficult to shake. If you do think your child has outgrown their allergy, it’s always best to check with a doctor or allergist first before giving them any of the irritant food – they will carry out a skin or blood test to check whether the allergy is still present.

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DELAYING THE INTRODUCTION OF ALLERGENIC FOODS REDUCES THE RISK OF ALLERGIES: WRONG
In its recent survey, Organix found that more than a quarter (29%) of parents believe that delaying the introduction of allergenic foods reduces the risk of allergies. However, the NHS contends the contrary, stating that delaying the introduction of peanuts and hen's eggs beyond six to 12 months might actually increase the risk of developing an allergy to these foods. In addition, according to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), allergenic foods and gluten can be introduced to an infant's diet when other complementary foods are introduced, i.e. from around six months of age (NHS).

ALLERGIC REACTIONS ARE THE SAME FOR EVERYONE: WRONG
There is no such thing as a standard allergic reaction, even to the same allergens – how an allergic reaction manifests itself in one person may not match how it appears in another. In fact, reactions may even differ from episode to episode in the same person. Most people surveyed by Organix identified respiratory issues such as trouble breathing (58%) and wheezing (49%), as well as swelling (43%) and red spots (47%), as common reactions. However, less knew that light-headedness (14%), coughing (31%) and stomach cramps (37%) are also common symptoms. You can read up on how to spot an allergic reaction on Organix's website here.

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SMALL AMOUNTS OF ALLERGENIC FOODS IN A CHILD’S DIET WON’T CAUSE REACTIONS: WRONG
It’s worth remembering that there is no such thing as a mild allergy – just a mild reaction. An allergy is an allergy, no matter how intensely someone reacts to it. Despite what 15% of the parents surveyed by Organix believe, even a trace of some food allergens can trigger severe reactions, and parents should follow the advice of their healthcare professional regarding foods to omit. What might cause a mild reaction, could develop into something more serious later down the line.

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GRADUALLY INTRODUCING ALLERGENS TO YOUR BABY’S DIET CAN HELP YOU DETERMINE ANY ALLERGIES: CORRECT
You can begin introducing your baby to a common allergen at around six months of age (unless directed by a health care professional, e.g. in cases of severe eczema*). These should be offered once a few other complementary foods are already tolerated and should be introduced one at a time, in small, appropriately textured, amounts. You may find it helpful to introduce these on a weekly basis, to give yourself time to properly analyse how your baby reacts to them. If there is no adverse reaction, you can gradually increase the amount you offer them each time until you’re confident your baby can tolerate them. If you’re concerned about feeding allergens to your children, the Organix range of baby and children’s food caters to certain allergies and can be checked against this fact sheet here. For more information on how to best introduce your baby to allergens, see Organix’s guidance here.

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