Peanut Allergy Prevention
Earlier peanut introduction may curb later allergy.
Data shows that about 46 million U.S. adults have a peanut allergy where exposure can bring on potentially life-threatening symptoms, including breathing impairment. Promising research suggests that earlier exposure may help curb a later allergy.
A study presented at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology’s annual meeting examined children ages 1–4 with confirmed allergy to peanuts and found that 14 out of 19 who received peanut sublingual immunotherapy passed a desensitization food challenge (eating about 15 peanuts without serious symptoms), compared with none of the 17 in the placebo group.
Further, a Melbourne, Australia, study found that the prevalence of this allergy has fallen by 16% among 12-month-old infants since 2016, when new international feeding guidelines recommended introducing peanuts to all infants before 12 months.
See also: When a Food Allergy Isn’t a Food Allergy
Matthew Kadey, MS, RD
Matthew Kadey, MS, RD, is a James Beard Award–winning food journalist, dietitian and author of the cookbook Rocket Fuel: Power-Packed Food for Sport + Adventure (VeloPress 2016). He has written for dozens of magazines, including Runner’s World, Men’s Health, Shape, Men’s Fitness and Muscle and Fitness.
