Introduction of allergenic food to infants and allergic and autoimmune conditions: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Objectives To evaluate the effects of early introduction to allergenic foods compared with late introduction and its impact on food allergy, food sensitisation and autoimmune disease risk. Design and setting The systematic review was reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines. Four electronic databases (MEDLINE, CENTRAL, EMBASE and CINAHL) were searched from inception till 24 October 2022 using keywords and MeSH without limitations on publication’s language or date. A forward and backwards citation analysis was also conducted. Risk of bias was assessed by three authors independently, in pairs using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2. Findings were narratively and quantitatively synthesised. Certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. Participants Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on allergenic food introduction prior to 12 months of age th