A cheese-rich diet in childhood can protect against allergies

High-protein diets for children could lower the risk of allergies

According to a new study, a cheese-rich diet in childhood may be able to protect against allergies and certain diseases. According to the French researchers, further research is needed to find out to what extent the health effect is related to the frequency of consumption and the different varieties.

More and more people are suffering from food allergies

Food allergies have been increasing for many years. According to estimates by the German Allergy and Asthma Association (DAAB), around six million people are affected in Germany alone. Patients may experience symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain and itchy rash after eating the "wrong" foods. As DAAB writes on its website, cow's milk is one of the main causes of food allergy in infants and children. Nevertheless, according to French researchers, a cheese-rich diet in childhood could possibly prevent allergies.

According to French researchers, the consumption of cheese at a young age may be able to protect against allergies and diseases such as asthma. (Image: pilipphoto / fotolia.com)

Cheese consumption at a young age could reduce risk

According to a study by University Hospital Besançon and the French National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA) in Dijon, the consumption of cheese at a young age could limit the risk of certain allergies and diseases such as asthma.

According to the Doctissimo portal, the study identified 931 children from birth to six years old, using questionnaires on their lifestyle (environmental factors, dietary habits) and the development of allergies.

According to the scientists, it was found that all cheese consumption between the ages of 12 and 18 months was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of atopic dermatitis (eczema) and food allergy.

In addition, the risk of allergic rhinitis (runny nose) and asthma was reduced.

"The lower incidence of inflammatory skin diseases and food allergies is detected indiscriminately in children who have benefited from greater variety and frequency of cheese consumption," the researchers report.

Further investigations required

Further research is needed to determine the extent to which the health effect is related to the frequency of consumption and the different cheeses.

In addition, the intestinal flora should be analyzed to better understand the mechanisms.

"The goal is to develop long-term prevention strategies for asthma and allergic diseases."

According to the information, 34 percent of the French population are allergic and four million inhabitants have asthma.

According to "Doctissimo", the incidence of allergic diseases and asthma in industrialized countries has been steadily increasing since the 1980s, mainly due to the decline in microbial contact from early childhood. (Ad)