UPDATE: New research confirms that early introduction of peanuts to infants has dramatically reduced peanut allergy rates in the U.S. A groundbreaking study published in the medical journal Pediatrics reveals that peanut allergies in children ages 0 to 3 have decreased by more than 40% since guidelines were updated in 2017.
This urgent finding comes a decade after a pivotal study by Dr. Gideon Lack at King’s College London highlighted the benefits of introducing peanut products as early as 4 months. The new data indicates that approximately 60,000 children have avoided developing food allergies, including 40,000 who would have developed peanut allergies, thanks to these guidelines.
Dr. David Hill, an allergist at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, stated, “I can actually come to you today and say there are less kids with food allergy today than there would have been if we hadn’t implemented this public health effort.” The research analyzed health records from multiple pediatric practices, tracking diagnoses before and after the guidelines were established.
Before 2015, medical advice had recommended delaying peanut introduction until age 3, fueling misconceptions about allergy prevention. The Learning Early About Peanut Allergy (LEAP) trial changed the narrative, showing an 80% reduction in the risk of developing allergies by introducing peanut products in infancy. However, implementation of these recommendations has been slow, with only about 29% of pediatricians and 65% of allergists adhering to the updated guidelines.
Despite this, recent findings suggest that the shift is gaining traction. Dr. Ruchi Gupta, a child allergy expert, noted that while the analyzed data may not represent the entire U.S. pediatric population, it offers “promising evidence that early allergen introduction is not only being adopted but may be making a measurable impact.”
Advocates for the estimated 33 million Americans living with food allergies welcome this progress. Sung Poblete, CEO of Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), emphasized the importance of the study, stating, “This research reinforces what we already know and underscores a meaningful opportunity to reduce the incidence and prevalence of peanut allergy nationwide.”
The updated guidelines from 2021 encourage the introduction of peanuts and other major allergens between four and six months without prior screening. Dr. Hill advises parents to consult their pediatricians for proper introduction methods, suggesting small amounts of peanut butter or yogurt.
Tiffany Leon, a registered dietician from Maryland, shared her experience introducing peanuts to her young sons early, despite initial concerns from her mother. “As a dietician, I practice evidence-based recommendations,” Leon said. “When someone told me, ‘This is how it’s done now, these are the new guidelines,’ I just thought, OK, well, this is what we’re going to do.”
This urgent development highlights a significant shift in medical practice that may enhance the lives of countless families. As awareness grows and guidelines are followed, the hope is that the decline in peanut allergies will continue, paving the way for healthier futures for children across the nation.
