European journal of clinical nutrition
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Allergic disease is a common cause of morbidity, particularly in young children. The prevalence of allergic disease has increased in the last 20 y in most countries. ⋯ Prolonged breast feeding, the use of a partial whey hydrolysed formula, delayed introduction of certain 'allergenic foods', and avoidance of inhalant allergens reduces the incidence of eczema and asthma, especially in high-risk infants. These preventive measures are extremely cost-effective and should be adopted widely at the community level.