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Since allergy is such a prevalent and cumbersome disease, many health-minded individuals have attempted to reduce their children's allergies with primary prevention. While many researchers have also studied genetics, along with ways to suppress the expression of these genetics, there is limited practical interventions that have reduced allergies as a primary prevention.

There is some evidence that breast-feeding for the longest possible time out to one year, may reduce allergic manifestations. When a mother breast-feeds, she wonders if her diet contributes to allergies, however. In particular, we can not recommend avoidance of cows milk, peanuts, or tree nuts by mom in attempt to reduce babies allergies during breast-feeding. Research has shown that maternal avoidance diet during pregnancy and breast-feeding really did not have much influence. Now, there is also conflicting data when to introduce foods to newborn babies at certain time frames, in order to reduce allergic manifestations. In general, it is still recommended to withhold whole cow's milk for the first year of life. Peanuts and tree nuts are generally withheld until 3 years of age. I still follow the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations that are available on their website.

So what can allergic parents do to reduce allergy in their offspring? Should they have animals in the house during early infancy, withhold certain foods like milk and peanuts, introduce friendly bacteria to the infants (like so many formulas are adding), and get adequate vitamin D while pregnant and during infancy, and even plan the time of year baby will be born? The real answer is that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree and that any intervention aimed at reducing allergy ought to have minimal burden and side effects.

But to answer those questions, there is probably some evidence that dogs present in the home at birth, reduce dog sensitization. Also, babies born during the fall season had an increased risk of asthma due to the in utero priming exposure of tree and grass pollen during the first trimester. Also, that probiotics may have influence on the immune system if given early to slightly reduce allergic manifestations. And of course, one cannot be current in medicine, if not reading the literature on vitamin D. There is an increased body of evidence, that if vitamin D is low during pregnancy and childhood, allergies may flare.

But in conclusion, when attempting to influence the expression of allergy one should discuss any interventions with their obstetrician and pediatrician. You don't want that apple rolling to far down the hill anyways. Time will do that for you!! Of course, so much excitement in watching the wee ones sprout and grow on their own. Hopefully with less allergies than Mom and Dad!!