A group of Swedish researchers are suggesting that the addition of fish to a child’s diet before the age of 12 can help prevent allergic diseases. Experts from the Institute of Environmental Medicine and the Department of Clinical Science and Education in Stockholm, Sweden analysed data from 3,285 children registered with a Swedish cohort study.
Fish intake in infancy has been associated with reduced risk of allergic disease in early childhood, but the research isn’t conclusive about whether this effect remains as children grow older.
A total of 3285 Swedish children were included in the study. At 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 years of age, parental questionnaires were used to obtain information on lifestyle factors, environmental exposures, and symptoms of allergic disease. The frequency of fish intake in infancy was assessed in the questionnaire completed at 1 year of age. Serum immunoglobulin IgE concentrations (blood markers of allergies), were obtained at age 8 years of age.
Results showed that at 1 year of age, 80% of the children consumed fish regularly. From 1 to 12 years of age, regular fish consumption in infancy reduced overall risks of allergic disease for both rhinitis and eczema.
Ensure you avoid eating shark, marlin, swordfish, mackerel and Ahi tuna due to mercury concerns.
Reference available here
