Frühkindliche ernährung und typ-1-diabetes

Introduction: Prospective studies on the development of type 1 diabetes show that islet cell autoimmunity begins early in life of affected individuals. Dietary factors are possible triggers or protective factors. Methods: Selective literature review and overview of current thinking on the role of nutrition in the etiology of type 1 diabetes. Results: Cohort studies have shown that children who were fed foods containing glutein before their fourth month of life were significantly more likely to develop anti islet cell antibodies. Prospective studies were unable to demonstrate any association between the early administration of cow's milk protein and islet autoantibodies. Vitamin D and fish oil supplements given in the first year may be protective. Interventional studies are currently examining the influence of a modified diet on the development of islet autoantibodies for infants with a genetic predisposition to type 1 diabetes. Discussion: Since diet is relatively easy to modify, it represents an opportunity for primary prevention. Current recommendations are to breastfeed babies exclusively for the first 4 to 6 months of life and introducing solids from 5 to 7 months.