Clinical Quiz: Dietary Diversity and Allergy Prevention

The role of diet in shaping immune tolerance has become an important area of research in allergy prevention. Emerging evidence suggests that a diverse diet during infancy and early childhood may play a protective role in reducing the risk of developing allergic diseases, including food allergies, asthma, and eczema. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), American College of Allergy Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), and Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (CSACI)’s consensus guidance highlights dietary diversity as a crucial factor in the development of immune resilience, recommending the introduction of a broad range of foods early in life to support immune system development.

In addition to introducing common allergens, the guidelines emphasize the importance of varied nutrient sources, exposure to different food groups, and minimizing overly restrictive diets unless medically indicated. Factors such as gut microbiome development, maternal diet during pregnancy and lactation, and environmental influences are also discussed as contributors to allergy risk.

AAAAI will be holding its 2025 AAAAI/World Allergy Organization (WAO) Joint Congress on February 28-March 3 in San Diego, California. Stay tuned to HCPLive® for the latest updates live to you from the meeting.

In this quiz, the second in a series of 3, we will assess your understanding of the evidence supporting dietary diversity, the relationship between nutrition and immune tolerance, and practical strategies for incorporating diversity into early childhood feeding practices.

Question 1 (True or False): A diverse diet in infancy is associated with a lower risk of developing food allergies.