FOOD ALLERGIES LINKED TO BREAST MILK

An interesting study published by The American Medical Association strongly suggests that some allergies occur when babies are sensitized by foods passed along in breast milk.

In order for a food allergy to develop, the person must be exposed (sensitized) to the food in some form. For example, many children who have peanut allergies have their first reaction when given a small portion of peanut butter. The initial exposure, however, may occur after a breast-feeding mother has eaten peanuts.

A specific study looking at peanut allergies passed along in breast milk was done and recently published. Twenty-three lactating women, age 21-35 years, ate about 1/3 cup of dry roasted peanuts. Breast milk samples were taken at hourly intervals to try and detect peanut allergens. Within 2 hours of ingestion of the peanuts, 11 of the 23 mothers tested positive for the peanut allergens (there were 2 allergens being looked for).

The researchers concluded that peanut protein is secreted into breast milk, thus sensitizing a baby who is at risk for developing an allergy .**  This information has helped in our understanding of why up to 85% of children with peanut allergies develop symptoms the first time they ingest peanut products.

** A baby born into a family with allergies.