Early introduction is not enough: CSACI statement on the importance of ongoing regular ingestion as a means of food allergy prevention

• Position article and guidelines
• Open Access

• Elissa M. Abrams, 
• Moshe Ben-Shoshan, 
• Jennifer L. P. Protudjer, 
• Elana Lavine & 
• Edmond S. Chan 

Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology volume 19, Article number: 63 (2023) 

• details

Both randomized controlled and observational studies demonstrate a reduction in the risk of food allergy with early introduction of common allergens, in particular peanut and egg. While these studies vary in design, population, dose and allergen used, there is a strong and consistent trend that early introduction has a role in the prevention of food allergy. As a result, guidelines clearly and consistently recommend early allergen ingestion (commonly operationalised as between ages 4–6 months), often in particular for higher risk populations, as a means of food allergy prevention.

The current Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology/Canadian Pediatric Society position statement recommends introduction of common allergens in high risk infants (with eczema or an immediate family history) at around 6, but not before 4 months of age when they are developmentally ready.In lower risk infants, introduction should be at around 6 months of age...

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