Early nutrition in the prevention of allergic disease: A survey of general paediatricians and dietitians in Atlantic Canada

Home       Collections       Current Issue       Past Issues       Supplements       Submit Manuscript       Calendar       Links          Return to TOC    PDF / Free      Original Article (Online only) May 2013, Volume 18 Issue 5: e 20-e 25   Early nutrition in the prevention of allergic disease: A survey of general paediatricians and dietitians in Atlantic Canada A Haynes, S Leo, ES Chan, R Chafe, LA NewhookBACKGROUND: Recommendations for maternal diet during pregnancy and breastfeeding and the timing for the introduction of commonly allergenic foods are changing. OBJECTIVE: To determine how general paediatricians and dietitians in Atlantic Canada counsel families regarding early nutrition as a means of preventing allergic disease. METHODS: In 2010, a survey was distributed to general paediatricians and dietitians in Atlantic Canada. Results were compared with a similar study that was conducted in British Columbia. RESULTS: Most respondents did not advise maternal elimination diets during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Two-thirds of respondents always or regularly advised breastfeeding as a method to prevent atopic dermatitis. The majority of respondents advised delayed introduction of commonly allergenic foods beyond one year of age, especially for infants at risk of developing allergic disease. CONCLUSIONS: There are differences in the practices of general paediatricians and dietitians with respect to early childhood nutrition for the prevention of allergic disease compared with international guidelines.    Français        E-Mail This Abstract To A Colleague             Click here to download free Adobe PDF Reader