Breast feeding and small amount of solid food after the 17th week of birth could reduce meals allergic reactions in babies, according to University of Southampton analysis.

The analysis, led by Dr. Kate Grimshaw, dietitian and senior analysis colleague at the University, say that giving the baby solid food besides breast-feeding helps it create a better, stronger defense mechanisms to fight food allergic reactions.

"Introducing solid foods alongside breast-feeding can benefit the defense mechanisms," Dr.Grimshaw explains. "It appears the defense mechanisms become educated when there is an overlap of solid foods and breasts milk because the milk promotes tolerogenic mechanisms against the solids."

"Also, our results suggest 17 several weeks is an important time point, with solid meals introduction before now appearing to advertise allergic disease whereas solid meals introduction after that period time point a promote tolerance."

Infants are largely intolerant of solid meals before four to six months of age. This is thought to be because of the infant gut being immature, which may cause symptoms of meals allergic reaction.