URMC researchers say babies raised in farming families may build stronger immune defenses against food allergies much earlier in life.
A new University of Rochester Medical Center study found that infants from Old Order Mennonite farming families in the Finger Lakes develop more mature antibody responses during their first year, compared with urban and suburban infants.
The research, published in Science Translational Medicine, followed mothers and babies from pregnancy through infancy. The team compared Old Order Mennonite families with families living in Rochester and nearby suburbs.
Faster immune development
Researchers found that farm-exposed babies showed signs of earlier immune maturation. Their blood contained more “experienced” B cells and higher levels of protective antibodies that help prevent allergic reactions.
“These immune responses are essentially ahead of schedule,” said Dr. Kirsi Järvinen-Seppo, chief of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology at UR Medicine’s Golisano Children’s Hospital. “Their immune systems seem better equipped, earlier in life, to handle foods and other exposures without overreacting.”
Breast milk plays a key role
The study also points to breast milk as a major factor…