Can a baby have an egg allergy through breastmilk?

Understanding Egg Allergies in Infants and Breastfeeding
The question of whether a baby can develop an egg allergy through breast milk is a nuanced one, rooted in the complex interplay between maternal diet, infant immune development, and the nature of food allergies themselves.
Breast Milk and Allergens
Breast milk is often lauded for its nutritional benefits and protective properties against various health issues, including allergies. Research indicates that human breast milk typically does not cause allergic reactions in breastfeeding infants. In fact, it is believed that breast milk can play a protective role against the development of food allergies, including those related to eggs.
However, it is important to note that about 2% to 3% of infants may experience digestive intolerance to food proteins present in breast milk, which can lead to symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, and fussiness. This intolerance is not the same as a true food allergy, which involves an immune response to specific proteins.
Maternal Diet and Infant Allergies
The relationship between a mother’s diet and the potential for her baby to develop allergies is a subject of ongoing research. Some studies suggest that the proteins from foods consumed by the mother, including eggs, can be transferred to breast milk. While this transfer occurs, it does not necessarily mean that the infant will develop an allergy to those foods. In fact, exposure to allergens through breast milk may help in building tolerance.
A randomized clinical trial highlighted that maternal egg intake during the early neonatal period was associated with a decreased risk of IgE-mediated egg allergy in children. This suggests that rather than causing allergies, maternal consumption of eggs might actually reduce the likelihood of the infant developing an allergy to eggs later on.
The Role of Breastfeeding in Allergy Prevention
Breastfeeding is generally recommended as a means to potentially reduce the risk of allergies. The protective effects of breast milk are thought to stem from its unique composition, which includes antibodies and other immune-modulating factors that can help the infant’s immune system develop appropriately.
Moreover, the flavors of foods consumed by the mother can influence the taste preferences of the infant, potentially leading to a more varied diet as they grow, which is beneficial for their overall development.
Conclusion
In summary, while it is theoretically possible for a baby to experience an allergic reaction to proteins from foods like eggs that are present in breast milk, such occurrences are rare and typically involve digestive intolerance rather than true allergies. The prevailing evidence suggests that breastfeeding, even with maternal egg consumption, may actually help in reducing the risk of developing food allergies in infants. As always, parents concerned about allergies should consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice and guidance.

How do I know if my breastmilk is upsetting my baby’s stomach?

Monitor your diet closely if you’re breastfeeding. If you feel there are certain foods that might be upsetting your baby’s stomach, try avoiding them for a while. If you notice weight loss, forceful spit up, fussiness or other symptoms, talk to your child’s pediatrician about your concerns.

How quickly would a baby react to egg allergy?

Symptoms nearly always occur immediately or within 2 hours of eating the food. The more the egg is cooked or processed the less likely it is to cause a reaction. Rarely, some children also develop a more severe reaction with cough, difficulty breathing, an asthma-type wheeze or even anaphylaxis.

Can eggs irritate a breastfed baby?

Nope! You should not avoid or limit major food allergens (milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish and shellfish) while breastfeeding, unless medically necessary. In fact, the opposite is true.

Can a baby be allergic to eggs through breast milk?

It is known that maternal antigens to potential food allergens, such as eggs, can pass into breast milk and it has been suggested that infants might be sensitised to foods by exposure to these antigens in their mother’s milk.

What happens to your eggs when breastfeeding?

Did you know that breastfeeding also causes your body to naturally stop ovulating? This means it can postpone the return of a mother’s fertility after giving birth, as it affects menstruation through interfering with certain hormone production necessary to activate ovulation.

What are most breastfed babies allergic to?

The maternal dietary elimination of offending allergens remains the mainstay for dietary management of non-IgE mediated allergies in breastfed infants. The most commonly reported allergen is cow’s milk, but a non-IgE mediated allergy in breastfed infants to soya, egg, and wheat has also been described [42, 43].

What does an egg allergy look like in babies?

If your child is allergic to egg, it may cause symptoms in multiple areas of the body, including: Skin: hives (red, blotchy skin that can itch) and may include mild to severe swelling. Lungs: difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing. Eyes: itching, tearing or redness.

How do you know if a baby has a milk protein allergy?

Common symptoms may include: Hives. Swelling under the skin, especially around the eyes or mouth. Swelling of the tongue or throat.

Can food allergy pass through breast milk?

Babies can develop allergies to foods that you are eating while you are breastfeeding. There are no recommendations to avoid any food while you are breastfeeding to prevent allergies.

What does baby poop look like with egg allergy?

Egg allergy can also cause food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) which will look like regular vomiting and has daily runny poops. Talk to your doctor if you are seeing these symptoms.