In an analysis of over 205,000 children aged 6-7 years old, from 31 countries, the use of paracetamol in the first year of life was associated with increased risk of asthma, allergic inflammation of the eye and eczema.
This means that paracetamol use in infants under 1 year old could have a detrimental effect on their undeveloped immune systems, leading to sensitivities to allergens in childhood.
Paracetamol is commonly recommended for children with many conditions, from fever to the common cold. This research highlights the need to rethink about medicating children at such an early age and consider safer options for managing health in infants, such as dietary support and natural medicines.
Beasley et al 2008, Lancet 372, pp. 1039.
