Daily Archives: 23 May 2024

Scientists identify skin biomarkers in infants that forecast the early onset of food allergies

Leave a Reply

Food allergies are prevalent during childhood and pose severe or even life-threatening risks. Researchers at National Jewish Health are actively developing strategies to prevent these allergies and have made significant strides in identifying early indicators of the condition.

A study recently published online in the March 2024 edition of the Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology revealed groundbreaking findings from skin tape strips collected from the forearms of two-month-old infants, an age before any observable signs of food allergies. The researchers at National Jewish Health pioneered this non-invasive and gentle skin tape sampling technique specifically for young patients. The process involves applying tape to the skin to collect superficial proteins and lipids, which are then analysed to examine the constituents of the skin. Following the initial testing, the children were closely monitored until age two to determine if any allergies would manifest.

Dr. Evgeny Berdyshev, a distinguished researcher at National Jewish Health and the first author of the study, provided insightful explanations. He stated, “The immune system’s interaction with the skin barrier alters its composition. With our gentle skin tapes, we can detect whether the proteins on the surface are abnormal.” He further noted that the presence of abnormal lipids and proteins is an early indicator of potential future conditions such as atopic dermatitis and food allergies.

Dr. Donald Leung, the head of the Division of Pediatric Allergy & Immunology in the Department of Pediatrics at National Jewish Health and senior author of the study, highlighted the broader aims of the research. “Our goal is to identify individuals at risk of developing food allergies and intervene early by addressing abnormalities in the skin barrier, thus preventing these conditions,” he said.

Dr. Leung, the head of the Division of Pediatric Allergy & Immunology in the Department of Pediatrics at National Jewish Health and senior author of the study, shared insights on the ongoing efforts. He stated, “This study marks just the beginning. We have now identified a biomarker for atopic dermatitis and food allergies, characterised by abnormal lipids, microbes, and proteins. Our current trials involve administering a lipid cream to newborns to see if it can correct these abnormalities by penetrating and enriching the skin with fatty acids.” The researchers are also developing an anti-inflammatory cream based on their findings.

National Jewish Health is recruiting. It is one of four global sites participating in the study known as SEAL—an acronym for ‘Stop Eczema and Allergy.’ The study is looking for expectant mothers and babies aged between 0 and 12 weeks to participate in this pivotal research.

More information: Evgeny Berdyshev et al, Skin biomarkers predict the development of food allergy in early life, Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2024.02.014

Journal information: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Provided by National Jewish Health

Opting for sugary beverages instead of fruit juice during infancy has been associated with an increased likelihood of developing obesity in adulthood

Leave a Reply

Consuming sugar-sweetened beverages during childhood has been associated with the development of unhealthy dietary patterns, which can elevate the risk of obesity in later stages of life, as indicated by a recent investigation conducted by the School of Psychology at Swansea University.

Published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, this research tracked the dietary influences on a cohort of 14,000 British children from infancy to adulthood, marking it as one of the most extensive studies of its nature to date.

Utilising the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, the team of researchers uncovered several noteworthy findings:

Firstly, it was observed that children who consumed carbonated drinks like cola or sugar-laden fruit cordials before reaching the age of two tended to exhibit increased weight gain by the time they reached 24. Interestingly, girls who consumed pure fruit juice exhibited lesser weight gain, while boys did not display significant weight changes.

Furthermore, toddlers who consumed cola at three demonstrated higher calorie, fat, protein, and sugar intake but lower fibre consumption. Conversely, those given pure apple juice exhibited reduced fat and sugar intake but consumed higher levels of fibre.

The study also shed light on the differing dietary preferences associated with these beverage choices. Children who consumed pure apple juice tended to follow diets comprising more fish, fruits, green vegetables, and salads. In contrast, those consuming cola preferred burgers, sausages, pizza, french fries, meat, chocolate, and sweets.

Moreover, the research team identified a correlation between sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and social deprivation, noting that children from more affluent backgrounds were more likely to have access to pure fruit juice.

Lead researcher Professor David Benton remarked, “Early dietary habits establish patterns that have enduring effects on weight regulation throughout life. It is imperative to encourage the development of healthy dietary habits from infancy, promoting lower fat and sugar consumption. However, it’s important to note that pure fruit juice, as part of one’s recommended daily intake of fruits and vegetables, contributes essential nutrients such as vitamin C, potassium, folate, and plant polyphenols.”

Dr Hayley Young added, “Obesity poses significant health risks and can predispose individuals to various other medical conditions. Our findings underscore the critical role of early childhood diet in shaping the trajectory towards adult obesity. To effectively address this issue, greater emphasis must be placed on promoting healthy dietary practices during the formative years of life.”

More information: David Benton et al, Early exposure to sugar sweetened beverages or fruit juice differentially influences adult adiposity, European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. DOI: 10.1038/s41430-024-01430-y

Journal information: European Journal of Clinical Nutrition Provided by Swansea University