Scientists link allergies to hyperactive immune cells in babies' cord blood

Search for treatments during or before pregnancy as childhood food allergies become more common and more severe in Australia

Victorian researchers have found newborn babies with hyperactive immune cells in their cord blood are more likely to develop allergies to milk, eggs, peanuts, wheat and other common foods by the age of one.

It is hoped the finding could lead to future treatments during or before pregnancy to prevent childhood food allergies, which are on the rise in Australia and affect 10% of babies in Melbourne before they are 12 months old.