A Study on Maternal Diet and Prospective Allergenic Solid Food Introduction among Chinese Infants Surveyed in a Private Hospital in Hong Kong

Abstract

Introduction: Delayed introduction of solids in infants could be partly responsible for an increase in food allergies. While new guidelines on infant feeding recommend earlier introduction of solid food, our clinical experience suggests that many parents still believe they should delay feeding of solids, especially common allergens. The present study investigated maternal dietary avoidance; breast, formula and complementary feeding histories and intentions; and dietary allergen introduction in infants of Chinese parents in a private hospital in Hong Kong. Methods: Self-administered questionnaires about dietary habits in pregnancy and infant feeding intentions were distributed to pregnant Chinese women or their husbands; or parents of Chinese infants from 1 to 3 days old. Data were summarized with descriptive statistics and analyzed by Fisher’s exact test and linear-by-linear association test. Results: Maternal dietary restriction during pregnancy was common. Less than 10% of participants reported planning to breastfeed exclusively up to 6 months. Most parents planned to introduce solids when infants were older than 6 months, and even older than 9 months for common dietary allergens. Parents with allergic diseases planned to introduce shellfish and egg white later in their infants as compared to non-allergic parents, and fewer parents (5.2% vs. 11.6%, P=0.03) planned to introduce all allergenic foods by 12 months. Conclusion: Planning for exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months is uncommon in our study population. Complementary feeding of solids is often delayed, especially when there is a family history of allergy. Parents can be benefit from further guidance.