A small Lancet study of undervaccinated children.

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Anthroposophic lifestyle & allergies in childrenTownsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, May, 2006 by Jule KlotterA cross-section study in The Lancet (May 1, 1999) compares 295 children (ages five to 13)attending two Steiner schools in a village near Stockholm, Sweden, with 380 children of the same age attending neighboring schools. The researchers gathered data on the children's history of allergy and infectious diseases, use of antibiotics and vaccinations, and other lifestyle/environmental factors (e.g., breastfeeding, household pets, maternal smoking, food). Children raised according to anthroposophy do not receive a combined measles, mumps, rubella vaccination. Consequently, these children account for most of Sweden's measles cases. The vaccinations they do receive--usually tetanus and polio--are given later than recommended by health authorities.

Antibiotics and anti-pyretics (fever reducers) are also avoided. Anthroposophical families tend to eat organic or biodynamic food and spontaneously fermented vegetables. Fermented vegetables, containing live lactobacilli, are the second factor. Sixty-three percent of the Steiner students regularly eat fermented vegetables, compared to only 4.5% of the control students.Anthroposophical doctors use orthodox medical treatment when necessary but emphasize nature-based therapies that support the body's innate healing wisdom. Antibiotics, fever-reducing agents, and vaccinations are used with discretion.The Swedish researchers could not pinpoint a specific item that lessened the Steiner students' risk of atopy, but they did suggest two likely factors. Sixty-one percent of the Steiner students had had the measles, compared to about one percent in the control schools. The researchers mention that measles

infection tends to inhibit atopy, according to scientific literature.The Steiner group had "statistically significant reduced risks for rhinoconjunctivitis, atopic eczema, and atopic sensitization." As in the earlier study, children who had the measles have a lower risk of IgE-mediated eczema.http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0ISW/is_274/ai_n16359659at·o·pyA hereditary disorder marked by the tendency to develop immediate allergic reactions to substances such as pollen, food, dander, and insect venoms and manifested by hay fever, asthma, or similar allergic conditions. Also called atopic allergy.

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