Children born outside of the U.S. are much less likely to suffer from allergic diseases like asthma, eczema food, allergies and hay fever, says a new study published in JAMA Pediatrics.
Researchers at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center in New York City looked at the records of nearly 80,000 kids surveyed in the 2007-2008 National Survey of Children's Health, finding that foreign born kids are 59% less likely to suffer from an allergic disorder.
"The results of the study suggest that there are environmental factors in the U.S. that trigger allergic disease," lead author Dr. Jonathan Silverberg told Reuters. "Children born outside the U.S. are likely not exposed to these factors early in life and are therefore less likely to develop allergic diseases."
The researchers also hypothesize that foreign born kids are fed a healthier diet which includes natural guards against allergies.
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