Researchers in Cork are looking for people to take part in a major study, aimed at determining whether allergies can be prevented in babies who are at a higher risk of developing them.

According to the researchers from University College Cork and Cork University Hospital, the occurrence of allergic diseases in children has shown a 'sharp increase over the past 20-30 years'. For example, around one in five children will develop eczema by the time they are six months of age.

Infants with allergic parents or siblings have a higher risk of becoming allergic themselves. However it is well know that breastfeeding can reduce the risk of allergies in children, even among those at higher risk.

Despite this, many mothers choose not to breastfeed or begin formula feeding at some point after birth. This study aims to investigate the influence of a new infant formula on the occurrence of eczema.

The formula does not contain whole proteins, but proteins that are pre-digested and broken down into smaller pieces, making them less likely to cause an allergic reaction.

In addition, prebiotics are added. These are natural compounds found in breast milk that encourage healthy bacteria in the infant gut.

The new formula will be compared with a standard infant formula, which contains whole proteins and does not contain prebiotics.

The study will follow all babies with a high risk of developing allergies, from birth until 18 months of age. If you are living in the Cork area, are pregnant and you or your partner are allergic to anything, you can participate.

According to research nurse, Sinead Lafford, the study will involve five hospital visits, during which time the baby will have their health assessed. This will include checking their weight, skin and whether they have experienced any vomiting.

During the course of the study, parents will also have to collect stool samples from their children and will have to fill in five questionnaires. The children will also have to undergo one blood test at the age of six months.

"We are looking for 300 full-term babies. These will be divided into three groups - those being given the new formula from birth, those being breastfed and those who are initially breastfed but are then switched to the formula", Ms Lafford told irishhealth.com.

The researchers hope to complete the recruitment and begin the study by next year.

If you would like to take part, contact Sinead Lafford or Deirdre Daly at (021) 490 1258. Alternatively, Ms Lafford can be reached at 087 211 1160 or Ms Daly at 087 295 5656.