Very early introduction of semisolid foods in preterm infants does not increase food allergies or atopic dermatitis.

Background: The optimal age for the introduction of solid foods for infants has long been a controversial issue.

Objective: To determine whether the early introduction of semisolid foods influences the incidence of food allergy or atopic dermatitis among preterm infants.

Methods: Retrospective data from 464 preterm infants born in Oulu University Hospital between 2008 and 2012 were analyzed.