Allerg y defences in sucking a dummy

PARENTS who suck on their child’s dummy to clean it could be passing them health benefits, scientists have suggested.

Researchers said the habit may result in the transfer of healthy microorganisms to their young offspring.

The author of the American study, Dr Eliane AbouJade, said they found those children to have lower levels of Immunoglobulin E (IgE), an antibody related to allergic responses in the body. High IgE levels typically indicate a greater risk of having allergies and allergic asthma.

The study, by Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, involved interviews with 128 mothers.

Of the 58% who reported their child using a dummy, 12% said they sucked the pacifier to clean it.

Co-author Dr Edward Zoratti said: ‘We found that parental pacifier sucking was linked to suppressed IgE levels beginning around ten months, and continued through 18 months.

‘Further research is needed, but we believe the effect may be due to the transfer of health-promoting microbes from the parent’s mouth.’

However, he said they do not know if the benefits continue into later life, or are solely linked to continued use of a dummy.

Scientists cautioned that the study required more research.

Dr Abou-Jaoude said that while it indicated an association between parental pacifier sucking and children with lower IgE levels, it does not necessarily mean the practice itself causes the lower levels.

news@dailymail.ie