Be careful when giving your babies antibiotics -- you may be increasing their likelihood of developing food allergies later in life.
New research from the University of South Carolina suggests that children that are prescribed antibiotics within the first year of their lives were 1.21 times more likely to be diagnosed with food allergies than children who hadn't received an antibiotic prescription.
The more antibiotics they consumed, the higher the risk of suffering from a food allergy. The likelihood increased from 1.31 with three prescriptions to 1.43 with four and 1.64 with five or more.
Developing the body's tolerance to foreign protein like food and antibiotics is an important part of a baby's development and early formative years.
Ultimately, a better diagnosis needs to be made before giving babies antibiotics, such as distinguishing whether they have a viral or bacterial infection.
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Celebrities as babies
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Celebrities as babies
ELLEN DEGENERES
Who knew this little cherub would turn into everyone’s favorite talk show host prankster?
Photo: PureWow
GEORGE CLOONEY
Speaking of legendary pranksters… This one started out young.
Photo: PureWow
LEONARDO DICAPRIO
Far less brooding 40 years ago.
Photo: PureWow
BEYONCÉ
Who run the world? Curls.
Photo: PureWow
JUSTIN BIEBER
Is it too late now to say sorry (for this sweatshirt)?
