When can I feed my baby eggs and egg yolks?
Egg Yolks are typically fine for baby to eat around 8 months old. The egg whites should not be fed to baby before 1 year old. Eggs are one of the top 8 of all allergens. Many studies that have been done on infants with egg allergies find that by the time the infant has reached age 5, the allergy has been outgrown! This is good news as the egg is highly nutritious and an important part of ones diet!
As is the process of any allergic reaction, the egg allergy occurs when the body mistakes an egg protein as a harmful invader. The body reacts by releasing antibodies called immunoglobulin E(IgE). The IgE in turn prompts the body to release chemicals known as histamines. When the histamines are released, the body reacts by producing symptoms such as runny nose, itchy eyes, a skin rash and in severe cases, anaphylaxis.
Diagnosing an egg allergy in an infant is really hit or miss and that is why it is very important to follow the 4 Day Wait Rule when introducing your baby to new foods! If you feel that your baby may have an egg allergy, you may want to begin an Allergy Elimination Diet to determine if the suspect is indeed an egg.
A hen's egg white contains 4 proteins that are potential allergens:
ovomucoid
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ovalbumin
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ovotransfferin and
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lysozyme
It is the protein ovalbumin, which is the major allergen and it makes up fifty percent of an egg white.
The yolk of a hen's egg also contains proteins however these proteins are seldom allergens. The proteins are:
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apovitellenins I
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apovitellenins VI
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phosvitin
Symptoms of an egg allergy may manifest as:
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Allergic rhinitis
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Asthma
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Dermatitis
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Diarrhea
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Gastrointestinal symptoms
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hives
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Nausea
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Oral allergy syndrome (symptoms appear around the mouth, lips and throat)
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Vomiting
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Wheezing
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Anaphylaxis.
If you find that your baby is allergic to eggs, you may want to take note of all the other names for egg products that are used as ingredients in many foods: