Allergic diathesis - the effect of nutrition

BACKGROUND: In recent years we could see an apparent increasing number of allergic diseases in the population. In this context, it has been described a number of protective and risk factors that affect the development of allergy. With regarding to extent of this issue we decided to address the topic of allergies in our study. We focused on issues related to maternal and child nutrition. The aim is to compare the effect of some selected factors between groups of children (allergic and non-allergic children). METHODS: We sent a total of 2635 anonymous questionnaires to schools. We focused on children aged 12 - 13 years (seven grades students). Mothers filled the questionnaires in for their children. We returned 1672 completed questionnaires back. Children were divided on allergic and non-allergic by allergic symptoms, doctor visits and potential treatment. We investigated the influence of individual factors on the development of allergies among children. RESULTS: Statistically significant as a risk factor appeared to eat honey during pregnancy and breast-feeding twice or five times a week. Among the protective factors were included exclusive breastfeeding for at least 10 - 12 months and occasional eating of a curd during pregnancy, these factors were statistically significant. However, we did not..