A Paradigm Shift in Pediatric Food-Allergy Prevention

A July 2023 report published in the journal Pediatrics explores awareness and practices of early peanut introduction to reduce allergies.

Peanut allergy is one of the most common food allergies in both children and adults globally. In the US, there has been a 21% increase in peanut allergies in children since 2010.

In 2017, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases issued a report amending guidelines for the prevention of peanut allergy in the US. The guidelines recommend early introduction of peanut-containing foods in infants between 4-11 months based on the risk level of the infant for development of a peanut allergy. For instance, with infants with severe eczema, egg allergy, or both, the recommended introduction of peanuts should occur between 4-6 months after consultation with the child’s primary care provider. While, infants without eczema or any food allergy can be introduced to peanut-containing foods any time after they are developmentally ready for solid foods.

In the new study published in Pediatrics examining parental awareness and practices regarding rearly peanut introduction, only 13.3% of parents or caregivers reported being aware of the new guidelines.

The most cited reason parents delayed introduction of peanut-containing foods was the fear of an allergic reaction, despite only 1.4% reporting a reaction with their first introduction of a peanut-containing food. The study suggests that more work is need to increase awareness and educate families and primary care providers on the the updated guidelines in order to increase adherence to the guidelines.

Resources & Information on Peanut Allergy

The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Peanut Allergy Information

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, 2017 Addendum Guidelines on Peanut Allergy Prevention