(P30-052-24) Novel Intervention Protocol to Promote Feeding 8 Common Allergenic Foods Beginning Around 4-6 Months of Age

Objectives: In the US, food allergy (FA) currently affects an estimated one in 10 Americans. FA typically develops early in life and oral introduction of commonly allergenic foods during the complementary feeding period may prevent FA. However, numerous barriers impede broad implementation of “early allergen introduction” approaches, which are increasingly advocated by FA prevention stakeholders.

The purpose of this abstract is to describe a protocol to encourage introduction of eight commonly allergenic foods starting at 4-6 months.

Methods: A cohort of 1,800 infants will undergo 1:1 randomization to either a usual care control group, or the intervention group, which receive individualized assistance with the dietary introduction and regular incorporation of commonly allergenic foods from 4 to 12 months of age. Intervention participants will be introduced to cow's milk, egg, peanut, cashew, walnut, almond, sesame, and soy proteins in three developmentally tailored phases.

Trained coaches guide caregivers to introduce study foods in specified, escalating quantities across the first year of age which are formulated to be compatible with breastfeeding and other relevant national nutritional guidance. To ensure comprehensive monitoring, caregivers and study coaches collaborate to record the type, frequency, and quantity of study foods fed to their infants through weekly dietary trackers. To facilitate adherence and equitable access to the food introduction protocol, caregivers will receive bi-weekly deliveries of these allergenic solids at no cost in desired formats (i.e. whole foods vs puff snacks vs powdered formats, which are arranged via a home delivery service. To further support and educate caregivers, they receive access to a study website with educational videos, tips, recipes, and other information to facilitate adherence to the feeding regimen.

Results: N/A

Conclusions: This is an innovative protocol to facilitate introduction of commonly allergenic solids alongside other complementary foods during early childhood. Findings from this ongoing trial aim to inform US Dietary Guidelines by providing updated evidence regarding the safety and effectiveness of complementary feeding of common food allergens for FA prevention and health promotion.

Funding Sources: Food Allergy Research & Education