Allergies alimentaires : influence de l'allaitement et du microbiote intestinal

Numerous environmental factors have been incriminated in the increasing development of food allergies observed in recent decades. However, studies on the influence of certain of these factors such as infant diet and gut microbiota composition have generally yielded discrepant results that are insufficient to support firm recommendations for preventing the development of allergic diseases. The World Health Organization still recommends exclusive breast-feeding during the first six months of life but it has been reported that early introduction of some foods induces lasting oral tolerance that could protect children from allergy. Moreover, analysis of gut microbiota composition in allergic children has revealed no firm association between specific dysbiosis or specific bacterial taxa and increased risk of developing allergy. These studies are rendered even more complex due to the constant interaction between these environmental factors. Maternal milk can indeed modulate the composition of the gut microbiota via different processes. The establishment of new strategies for the prevention of food allergy thus requires consideration of the interaction between the different factors involved in the development of this disease.