Partial Colostrum Feeding Associated with Higher Risk of Childhood Food Allergies
February 10, 2025
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More than 45% of infants were partially colostrum fed and experienced higher rates of peanut allergies by 12 – 18 months of age
Milwaukee, WI – Children experience an increased risk of peanut allergy when not exclusively colostrum-fed according to new research being presented at the 2025 AAAAI / WAO Joint Congress.
“Early formula feeding during the first days of life disrupts the intake of colostrum—an essential source of bioactive compounds for the developing immune system. In an Australian birth cohort, we found that inadequate colostrum intake increased the risk of developing peanut and multiple food allergies. These findings underscore the transformative potential of promoting colostrum feeding for allergy prevention, as more than a third of neonates worldwide do not receive full colostrum intake” said first author, Maheshwar Bhasin, MSc.
Feeding practice data were extracted from hospital records for 666 mother-infant participants enrolled in the ORIGINS cohort. Newborn children were categorized as exclusively colostrum fed (ECF) or partial colostrum fed (PCF). Food allergy at one year of age was defined by a positive skin prick test and a maternal-reported child's immediate reaction to the food.
In the cohort, 46% of infants were partially colostrum-fed, and compared to the ECF group, were more likely to develop a peanut or multiple food allergy by 12-18 months. PCF infants with late introduction of allergens, more than seven months, had the highest odds of developing a peanut allergy compared with ECF infants with early introduction of allergens, or less than 7 months. No peanut allergy cases occurred in infants receiving nine or more colostrum feeds within the first 24 hours, regardless of formula feeding.
Highlighting an association of PCF with an increased risk of food allergies, the research also shows compromised efficacy of food allergy prevention by early introduction of allergens in the infant diet. While additional research is necessary, this observation provides additional understanding for food allergy prevention and the benefits of promoting colostrum feeding.
Visit aaaai.org to learn more about preventing allergies and asthma in children. Research presented at the 2025 AAAAI / WAO Joint Congress, February 28 – March 3 in San Diego, CA, is published in an online supplement to The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (JACI).
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) is the leading membership organization of more than 7,100 allergists, asthma specialists, clinical immunologists and other professionals with a special interest in the research and treatment of allergic and immunologic diseases. Established in 1943, the AAAAI is the go-to resource for patients living with allergies, asthma and immune deficiency disorders.