Almost everyone agrees that there has been a significant increase in the incidence of allergies and asthma in children. As with so many medical trends, there are many reasons for this.
A study published in the May 1, 1999 issue of The Lancet (1) examined the differences between 295 children attending Steiner schools in Sweden with 380 children attending regular schools. Steiner schools are based on a philosophy promoted by "Rudolph Steiner called anthroposophical medicine. This philosophy involves the use of orthodox medicine when necessary but more frequently uses natural therapies. Antibiotics, fever-reducing medications and vaccinations are used sparingly. 15 members of the European Union recognize this form of medical practice, which is learned through special training and workshops for MD's and DO's.
Children raised according to these principles do not receive a combined measles, mumps and rubella vaccination, and these children account for most of Sweden's measles cases. They do get the tetanus and polio vaccinations but at a later age than traditional medicine recommends. The families tend to eat organic whole foods.
The researchers collected histories on the children, and also conducted skin-prick tests for both the children and their parents. 7% of the Steiner students had positive skin prick tests for IgE antibodies, while 13% of the regular students did. Only 13% of the Steiner kids had a history of atopy or allergy as compared with 24% of the controls.
Researchers suggested that several factors could explain the difference. For example, 61% of the Steiner kids had measles, and the measles infection tends to inhibit atopy.
Another study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology also found a decreased incidence of allergy in Steiner children (2). This study involved over 6600 children between the ages of 5 and 13 years. 4606 were Steiner children and 2024 were from regular schools. The Steiner children had "significantly significant reduced risks for rhinoconjunctivitis, atopic eczema, and atopic sensitization." Steiner kids who had measles also had a lower incidence of IgE-mediated eczema. The researchers also concluded that having the MMR vaccine and taking antibiotics at an early age increased the risk of rhinoconjuncitivitis, asthma, and eczema.
There are two things to consider here. First, if your children have not yet been given these vaccines, you may want to give some serious thought as to whether you plan to have your children vaccinated. And, remember that in addition to lack of vaccinations and contracting childhood diseases, Steiner children eat much better and differently than the average child today, an important factor. If your children have already had vaccinations, antibiotics, and are experiencing asthma, allergies and eczema, the situation is far from hopeless. Dietary excellence, combined with the judicious use of supplements, is extremely effective in reducing symptoms and sometimes reversing the conditions.
1. Aikm, JS, et al, "Atopy in children of families with an anthroposophical lifestyle," The Lancet May 1 1999
2. Floistrup, H et al, "Allergic disease and sensitization in Steiner school children," The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 2006;117:59-66.
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