Researchers in the United States have discovered that babies born during the autumn and winter months are more prone to food allergies.

Scientists in Boston believe a lack of vitamin D from sunshine could be the main contributory factor as exposure to the sun is important in developing a healthy immune system.

The study involved a review of over one thousand patients with food allergies who had been admitted to the local hospital emergency departments over a six year period. These figures were then compared to the month in which the patient was born against those patients who visited the emergency department for non-food allergy reasons.

Results showed a trend toward allergies affecting those people born during autumn and winter but only in patients aged five years old or under. Of those, 41 per cent were born in spring/summer compared with 59 per cent during autumn/winter.

However, the research team were quick to acknowledge that factors such as infections, family history, diet and indoor pollutants could also contribute to food allergies.

Other allergic conditions such as asthma and dermatitis have previously been associated to the month in which someone is born.

Leading allergy charity Allergy UK commented that the results were interesting but more research should be carried out in this area.

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