Early Egg Introduction May Help Reduce Food Allergies in Children

Early Egg Introduction May Help Reduce Food Allergies in Children

09 Jun 2026

Researchers looked at data from thousands of infants and compared allergy rates before and after Australia changed its infant feeding guidelines in 2016. The updated advice encouraged parents to introduce common allergenic foods earlier instead of delaying them.

The study found that egg allergy rates in babies decreased from 9.2% to 7.6% after the new recommendations were introduced.

The biggest reduction was seen in babies with eczema, who are more likely to develop food allergies. In this group, egg allergy rates dropped more noticeably over time.

Australia still has one of the highest rates of childhood allergies in the world, so prevention is an important area of research.

Current advice from health experts recommends introducing well-cooked egg and smooth peanut butter when babies start eating solid foods, usually around six months of age. Updated guidance also supports introducing allergenic foods early, as long as the child is ready for solids.

Experts say the results support the idea that early exposure to certain foods may help the body build tolerance and reduce allergy risk.

However, researchers note that some children can still develop allergies even if guidelines are followed, and more research is needed to understand prevention better.

They also want to study whether early introduction of other common allergens, such as peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish and shellfish, can also reduce allergy rates.

Early Egg Introduction May Help Reduce Food Allergies in Children
 

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