Japanese scientists found that children who had a pet when they were small had a 15 percent lower risk of food allergy, the Daily Mail reported.

The risk of food allergy for children also decreases if the mother had a pet during pregnancy.

Those raised with a dog are less likely to be allergic to eggs, milk and nuts, and cats reduce the risk of allergies to eggs, wheat and soy. 

With 10 percent of children already suffering from a food allergy and the number increasing, scientists hope they have a new way to curb the problem. 

The team, led by Dr. Hisao Okabe of Fukushima Medical University, analyzed data on 65,000 children followed until they were three years old. 

A leading theory for the increase in allergies is the hygiene theory, which states that people in much of the world live in too clean conditions.

Microorganisms teach the immune system to distinguish harmless from harmful irritants. 

Pets may prevent food allergies by boosting the microbiome.

It is known that they increase good bacteria and children become less vulnerable, adds BTA. 

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