Baby Allergy Guidance Review: Preventing Allergies in Infants

A proposed Bill seeks to review allergy guidance for feeding and weaning babies in the UK. Spearheaded by Becky Gittins, an allergy sufferer herself, the Bill addresses the increasing rates of allergic diseases in the UK. It highlights that current NHS guidance on introducing allergy-triggering foods, such as peanuts and eggs, may be outdated compared to international approaches. The focus is on prevention for high-risk infants (those with severe eczema or existing egg allergies), aiming to provide clearer, more consistent advice to parents and healthcare professionals to reduce the burden of allergies.

Key Takeaways:

• The UK has some of the highest rates of allergic conditions globally, affecting over a quarter of the population and costing the NHS over £1 billion annually.
• Current NHS guidance on introducing potential allergens (like peanuts and eggs) is based on a report nearly 10 years old.
• International evidence, including the LEAP study and guidelines from the US and Europe, suggests early introduction of these allergens (between four and six months) for high-risk infants can prevent allergy development.
• The Bill specifically targets children showing early signs of allergy and does not contradict general breastfeeding advice.
• A review aims to improve clarity, increase awareness, empower healthcare professionals, and ensure ethnic minorities are not disadvantaged, as they are often more predisposed to allergies.

Definitions

• Allergic Disease: Common chronic conditions like asthma, hay fever, and food allergies, which are increasing in prevalence and impact daily life.
• Early Introduction of Allergens: Deliberately introducing potential allergy-triggering foods (e.g., peanuts, eggs) to high-risk infants between four and six months of age to reduce the risk of developing allergies, as supported by studies like LEAP.

Source: Babies and Infants (Allergy Guidance)
Volume 772: debated on Tuesday 2 September 2025

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