This study aimed to identify if there was a change in the prevalence of egg allergy associated with the updating of the ASCIA guidelines for infant feeding for allergy prevention, released in 2016.
Details of the study: This study used two population based samples recruited via immunisation clinics in Melbourne, Australia and included 7209 babies. Information relating to food allergy risk factors, timing of egg introduction and reactions to egg were collected through questionnaires. The babies in the study underwent skin prick testing for egg and where there was a positive result, they underwent an oral food challenge to confirm the egg allergy.
Key findings:
This study showed that the median (IQR) age for egg introduction decreased from 8 (6-10) months in 2007-2011, to 6 (6-8) months in 2018-2019.
Furthermore, the prevalence of egg allergy decreased from 9.2% to 7.6% in this same time period (adjusted absolute difference, −1.6 [95%CI, −3.3 to −0.005] percentage points), after adjusting for known allergy risk factors.
The greatest benefits were seen in infants with early eczema, where egg allergy decreased from 34.6% to 21.9% (adjusted absolute difference, −12.7 [95%CI, −20.0 to −5.4] percentage points).
This study provides evidence that recommendations to introduce egg earlier through updated infant feeding guidelines has resulted in reduced egg allergy in Australian babies.
Reference:
Koplin JJ, Shifti DM, Soriano VX, et al. Egg Allergy Prevalence Before and After Guidelines for Earlier Egg Introduction. JAMA Pediatr. Published online June 08, 2026. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2026.2080
Read the full article.
Associated editorial:
Carroll AE, Keren R. Egg Food Restrictions for Infants-When Guidance Outruns Evidence. JAMA Pediatr. 2026 Jun 8. doi: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2026.2077. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42258222.
Read the full editorial.
