What is a common recommendation for infants with food allergies?

The most appropriate recommendation for infants with food allergies is to avoid potentially allergenic foods for the first year. This guidance is based on research indicating that early introduction of certain allergens, such as peanuts or eggs, can increase the risk of developing allergies in susceptible infants. While there has been evolving research suggesting that some allergenic foods might be introduced earlier than previously recommended to potentially reduce allergy risk, the consensus remains that caution should be exercised, particularly with highly allergenic foods.

In recent years, guidelines have been shifting somewhat towards earlier introduction in some cases, especially under medical guidance, but that is primarily aimed at specific high-risk infants. Overall, the emphasis on avoidance during the first year provides a protective strategy against the developing immune systems of infants, which may not yet be ready to handle these foods.

The other options, such as introducing gluten early or delaying the introduction of solids until one year, do not align with current recommendations. Introducing fruit juices at six months is also typically discouraged due to the potential for excess sugar intake and low nutritional value compared to whole fruits. Thus, avoiding potentially allergenic foods remains the most widely accepted recommendation for infants who are at risk of food allergies.