Modulating factors of the microbiota and their relationship with the development of food allergies in childhood

Abstract

Food allergy (FA) is a reaction of the immune system that occurs shortly after eating a certain food. The participation of the microbiota in homeostasis processes has a decisive impact on the development of children during the first 1000 days of life. In this period, there are three determining elements that have an impact on the health of the newborn: the type of birth (vaginal or cesarean section), diet (breastfeeding and introduction of allergenic foods) and exposure to antibiotics. The relationship between artificial breastfeeding, the introduction of potentially allergenic foods, cesarean delivery and prenatal use of antibiotics with the development of FA during childhood in children was analyzed. 

An observational, correlational, retrospective and analytical study was carried out. The sample, non-probabilistic and for convenience, was made up of 35 children. Variables studied: type of lactation, type of delivery, nutritional status, introduction of potentially allergenic foods, use of antibiotics. Information obtained from the medical records of the Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Pediatric Nutrition office of the Hospital Privado Universitario, Córdoba, in the year 2023. The Fisher test was applied to analyze the association between the variables. Infostat software was used (p<0.05).

68.6% did not present nutritional risk. 77.1% of the children received mixed breastfeeding and the introduction of potentially allergenic foods was well timed in 82.1%. 60% were born by cesarean section (C-section) and 82.9% did not use antibiotics during pregnancy. The medical signs were mixed (includes both digestive and extradigestive) in 68.6%.

Statistically significant associations were observed between the type of delivery C-section and the development of FA (p<0.05). The rest of the variables did not present significant associations. It is planned to continue to research, through larger samples and multivariate models, on the factors that impact the state of the microbiota and FA, since it is infants who are most affected by the immaturity of immunological and non-immunological mechanisms that prevent the entry of antigens through the gastrointestinal barrier.