Did I Cause My Son's Food Allergy?
Obie Editorial Team
Is it My Fault My Son Suffers a Potentially Fatal Food Allergy?
According to research, waiting to introduce the most common food allergens – often referred to as the top 8 – does not decrease the likelihood of food allergies in children. Reports go on to state early introduction to peanuts, cow’s milk and egg may actually reduce the risk of sensitization, but it was also research that lead my pediatrician to suggest putting off introduction of common food allergens just 10 years ago.
There is little doubt the truth is up in the air. With conflicting research comes conflicting reports from allergists and confused, guilt-ridden parents. The comments from some parents published on food allergy support and news websites border on irate. Parents have no idea what they are supposed to do – old research days don’t feed your children common food allergens, but new research says you were supposed to be feeding them to your child the entire time.
The pain is most devastating for parents of children with life-threatening food allergies, like me. My son lives every day with a cloud of worry – or at least I do – that invisible peanuts will somehow make it into his bloodstream – his body will insanely overreact – and anaphylaxis begins. The mere thought that a parent could have caused the sensitivity is enough to cause tears – many tears.