New Advice Helps 60,000 Children Dodge Peanut Allergies
An important shift in medical advice has led to a decrease in the development of peanut allergies in children, according to a recent study. This change in guideline, which began in 2015, has prevented around 60,000 kids from developing this potentially life-threatening condition. This research was led by a team of doctors and scientists who were driven to understand the impact of introducing peanuts to babies as early as four months old.
"Isn't that amazing?" said the lead researcher of the study, a renowned allergist from a well-known children's hospital. This groundbreaking study was published in a highly respected medical journal and involved the analysis of electronic health records from numerous pediatric practices.
The Impact of Early Introduction of Peanuts
The research team discovered that peanut allergies in children aged between 0 to 3 decreased by over 27% after the guideline for high-risk children was introduced in 2015. The decline in peanut allergies increased to over 40% after the guidelines were broadened in 2017.
Despite this success, the overall increase in food allergies in the US hasn't decreased. Approximately 8% of children have some form of food allergy, with over 2% having a peanut allergy. Symptoms of a peanut allergy, caused by the body's immune system mistakenly identifying proteins in peanuts as harmful, can range from hives and respiratory issues to life-threatening anaphylaxis.
Shifting Guidelines and Practices
For many years, doctors recommended waiting until children were three years old before introducing them to peanuts and other potential allergy-triggering foods. However, a pivotal study in 2015 changed this long-standing practice. This study showed that introducing peanuts during infancy reduced the future risk of developing food allergies by over 80%. Subsequent analysis found that this protection was maintained in about 70% of children into their teenage years.
This significant study led to new guidelines advocating for the early introduction of peanuts, but the implementation has been slow. Surveys reveal that only about 29% of pediatricians and 65% of allergists have been following the expanded guidelines from 2017. Uncertainty about the safest way to introduce peanuts early on has contributed to this delay.
However, despite these challenges, the research offers hopeful evidence that early allergen introduction is being adopted and is making a measurable difference.
Early Introduction of Peanut Products: A Welcome Change
Advocates for the millions of people in the US with food allergies have welcomed the signs that the early introduction of peanut products is becoming more commonplace. The CEO of a notable nonprofit organization focused on food allergy research and education said, "This research reinforces what we already know and underscores a meaningful opportunity to reduce the incidence and prevalence of peanut allergy nationwide."
The lead researcher of the study emphasizes the current guideline, which was updated in 2021. It advises introducing peanuts and other major food allergens to infants between the ages of four and six months without any preceding screening or testing. Parents are encouraged to consult with their pediatricians if they have any concerns or questions.
Small amounts of peanut butter, milk-based yogurt, soy-based yogurts and tree butters can be given to babies. "These are really good ways to allow the immune system exposure to these allergenic foods in a safe way." said the lead researcher.
A mother and registered dietician from Maryland, who also serves as a director at a food allergy research organization, shared her personal experience of introducing peanuts and other allergens early to her two sons. Initially, her mother was surprised by the advice to feed babies such foods before they turned three. However, she explained the shift in scientific understanding and stressed the importance of following evidence-based recommendations.