Date: February 19th 2004

Baby 411 E-News Feb 2004: Breastfeeding and Obesity, 3 new studies on food allergies, Prevnar vaccine shortage


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BABY 411 NEWS UPDATE: February 2004
The free eNewsletter for the readers of BABY 411
http://www.Baby411.com
February 2004
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In this email:

1. Breastfeeding and obesity
2. Three studies on food allergies
3. A new form of Amoxicillin
4 Ricin in the news
5. Prevnar vaccine shortage

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Here’s what is new in healthcare for your baby:

1. Breastfeeding and obesity

One more reason to breastfeed: Breastfeeding and protection from obesity. A recent study looked at data from the Centers for Disease Control and found that the majority of children who were four years of age and obese were never breastfed or breastfed for less than one month.

Take home message: There are probably too many variables here to be certain that breastfeeding is the reason these kids do not become obese, but it will be interesting to see further studies on this issue.


2. Three studies on food allergies:

a) Peanut allergy: A study in the New England Journal of Medicine looked at the diets of breastfeeding women and the subsequent development of food allergies in infants. The results showed that there was no association or prevention of peanut allergy even if the mother avoided peanut and peanut products in her diet. Interestingly, infants did show a sensitization to peanuts when skin products containing peanut oil was applied to irritated skin.

Take home message: It may be okay to sneak in a PB and J sandwich while you are nursing, but not okay to use ‘natural’ skin balms that contain Arachis or peanut oil.

b) Fish oil in pregnancy to prevent food allergy: A study looked at pregnant women who had a significant history of allergies. These women were given fish oil supplements during pregnancy. Their infants were studied at 1 year of age. These children were three times LESS likely to have a skin prick allergy to eggs at one year of age.

Take home message: Very interesting data in a small study. More studies need to be done before given all pregnant moms fish oil with their prenatal vitamins.

c) Give an epi-pen to your childcare provider. A study administered a questionnaire to childcare providers and found that over 50% of children they cared for with food allergies did not have any medication to administer if the child had an allergic reaction in childcare. What is even more concerning, 67% of food allergic kids have accidental exposures (like in a childcare setting).

3. A new form of Amoxicillin.

Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals has released Dispermox. This is a tablet that dissolves in water (like Alka-Seltzer). It tastes like the classic flavor of bubble gum in the tried and true Amoxicillin. For a child who dislikes the chew tabs and for the family who is traveling, this may be a good choice when antibiotics are in order.

4. Ricin in the news:

The poisonous substance, ricin, has become a household name because it was found in Senator Bill Frist’s mail room. What you should know is that you don’t have to be a famous politician to be exposed to this poison. Ricin is found in the popular castor bean plant. This decorative plant is used in gardens. Some cultures use the seeds in necklace making. Both the leaves and the seeds contain ricin, which cause death with ingestion of very small amounts. Check out Baby 411 for a comprehensive list of poisonous house and garden plants.

5. Prevnar vaccine shortage

The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended deferring the booster dose (given after 1 year of age) of the popular Prevnar vaccine. The vaccine manufacturer has announced a shortage that may not be rectified until the summer of 2004. The 4th dose of vaccine is being withheld so that supply may be used for the primary three doses to infants, who are more susceptible to serious infection with Strep pneumoniae.

That’s the new from the mother ship here at Baby 411! Thanks for reading our book,