Organic milk may help babies beat allergies

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Organic milk may help babies beat allergies

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2007/nov/09/health.children

 

Mothers who drink organic milk during pregnancy and while

breastfeeding can help their babies beat eczema, asthma and related

allergies, according to ground-breaking research.

 

The study suggests the conditions can also be kept at bay if children

drink organic milk themselves. Researchers conclude that " the

consumption of organic dairy products, within the context of an

organic diet, is associated with the ... reduced incidence of eczema " .

 

There are growing concerns about the increasing prevalence of

conditions such as eczema and asthma worldwide, especially in

westernised countries. It is estimated that one-third of children in

western societies show symptoms; in the UK there are fears that more

children are being affected as a result of pollution and traffic fumes.

 

Researchers working on the Koala (a Dutch acronym for Child, Parent

and Health: Lifestyle and Genetic Constitution) birth cohort study,

which started in 2000, said research evaluating the health benefits

of organic and conventionally grown foods was long overdue.

 

They pointed out: " A rapidly growing group of consumers in our

society prefers to buy organically grown and processed products,

which are perceived as healthier and safer. However, there are

virtually no studies of any size that have evaluated effects of

organic versus conventionally grown foods on human health. "

 

The researchers suggest mothers who drink organic milk can produce

breast milk which provides some protection or immunity against

allergens. They measured organic food consumption, eczema and wheeze

in infants until the age of two, using repeated questionnaires

completed by their parents at key dates. Diet was defined as

conventional (less than 50% organic), moderately organic (50-90%) and

strictly organic (more than 90%).

 

The researchers said the influences of the mothers' and infants'

organic diets were inextricably linked: " We cannot exclude the

possibility that the lower risk of eczema in children who used

organic dairy products was actually due to a high consumption of

organic dairy products by the mother, conferring protection already

starting in the intra-uterine period and during lactation. "

 

They also acknowledged earlier studies showing eczema, allergies and

asthma are lower in children from families which eat organic food,

use few antibiotics and aspirin, and where children are breastfed for

longer.

 

Peter Melchett, policy director of the Soil Association, said: " It is

extremely significant that we have, for the first time, published

significant research on this important area. Common sense tells us

that it is healthier and kinder to the environment to consume organic

food. What is nice is that we are now seeing science catching up. "

 

 

Caldecott, Dip. Cl.H, RH(AHG)

Ayurvedic practitioner, Medical Herbalist

203 - 1750 East 10th Ave

Vancouver, BC V5N 5K4 CANADA

web: http//:www.toddcaldecott.com

email: todd

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