New research provides reassuring evidence that feeding children smooth peanut butter during infancy and early childhood can significantly reduce their risk of developing a peanut allergy later in life. The study, published in the journal NEJM Evidence, found that starting peanut consumption around 4 months of age and continuing regularly until about 5 years old was associated with a 71% reduction in the rate of peanut allergy among adolescents in the United Kingdom.
A new study reveals that introducing smooth peanut butter during infancy can significantly reduce the risk of developing a peanut allergy later in life. Learn more about the benefits and guidelines for early peanut exposure.
The Study's Findings
The study, known as the LEAP-Trio trial, builds on earlier research from the LEAP trial, which included infants with eczema and egg allergy. The LEAP trial found that the early introduction of peanuts led to an 81% relative reduction in peanut allergy by age 5. The LEAP-Trio trial assessed these children again at around age 12, finding that the protective effect of early peanut consumption persisted into adolescence. Among children who avoided peanuts, about 15% developed a peanut allergy, compared to only 4% among those who consumed peanuts, representing a 71% reduction.
Expert Insights
Gideon Lack, professor of pediatric allergy at King’s College London and an author of the study, explained the underlying principle: “Peanut allergy develops very early in most children between six and 12 months of life. If you want to prevent a disease, this needs to be done before the disease develops. This biological phenomenon is based on an immunological principle known as oral tolerance induction.”
Dr. Purvi Parikh, an allergist, and immunologist at NYU Langone, highlighted that the study’s findings are a “great reassurance” that early introduction of peanuts not only reduces the risk of developing a peanut allergy but that this protection lasts until adolescence, even if children stop eating peanuts consistently after age 5.
Guidelines for Introducing Peanuts
To safely introduce peanuts to infants, experts recommend starting with smooth peanut butter mixed into a puree to avoid choking hazards. For children at low risk for allergies, peanuts can be introduced around 4 to 6 months old under pediatric guidance. Children with severe eczema or egg allergy should consult an allergist before early introduction.
Dr. Daniel DiGiacomo, a pediatric immunologist, advises a gradual approach: “Start off slowly introducing a pea-sized amount, doubling the amount every day until you get to an age-appropriate serving size (or at least 2 teaspoons). Then continue this in the diet several times per week.”
Public Health Implications
Food allergies are a growing concern, with peanut allergy affecting about 2% of children in the United States. Peanuts are among the most serious allergens, capable of causing life-threatening reactions like anaphylaxis. Early introduction of peanut products according to established guidelines could prevent tens of thousands of cases of peanut allergy each year, as emphasized by Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo, director of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
The new findings underscore the importance of early peanut introduction as a preventive measure against peanut allergy. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to follow guidelines and consult healthcare providers to implement this safe and effective strategy.
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Source: CNN