This is how peanut allergy disappears in children

For years, parents have dreaded introducing peanuts into their children’s diets. Today the trend is reversing: scientists are finally seeing a decline in peanut allergies among children. Good news, the result of a radical change in infant feeding practices.

The effects of the new recommendations are starting to be felt

Since 2017, American health authorities have recommended introducing potentially allergenic foods (such as peanuts or eggs) from 4 to 6 months of age, rather than waiting several years as previously recommended. This trend reversal, supported by the historic LEAP study (Learn early about peanut allergy), has revolutionized the prevention of food allergies.

Eight years later, the new study published in the journal Pediatrics by a team at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia confirms that this approach is successful. By analyzing medical records more than 120,000 children from 0 to 3 years oldthe researchers observed a 43% drop in peanut allergy cases since these guidelines were put in place.

In other words, among the children monitored, the percentage of peanut allergies increased from from 0.79% to 0.45% between 2012 and 2019. The risk of developing a food allergy, from all causes, also decreased by approximately 30%.

Eat early to immunize yourself

Why this decline? Because the baby’s immune system soon learns to recognize peanut proteins as harmless substances when exposed to them, instead of seeing them as a threat.

This “oral tolerance” is based on a simple idea: the body gets used to what it ingests better from the first months of life. Conversely, delaying exposure could increase subsequent allergic reactions.

The researchers point out, however, that implementation of these recommendations remains uneven: not all parents, nor even all pediatricians, fully apply them. According to recent polls, only 17% of families introduce peanuts before 7 months. In other words, there is still a long way to go before this prevention becomes a reflex.

A practice that is still unequal depending on the family

The study also highlights that the decline in allergies is not uniform across all populations. White children are overrepresented among those who benefited from early introduction, while black, Asian or Hispanic children remain proportionately more affected by allergies.

These differences may be reflected inequalities in access to pediatric care or information. Dr. David Hill, co-author of the study, believes that in the future, food allergy prevention will need to involve greater awareness among families furthest from the healthcare system.

A breakthrough for allergy prevention

This decline in peanut allergies marks a turning point in children’s health. It shows that a simple change in habit – introducing allergenic foods early and in small quantities – can have a measurable effect on a generation.

For parents, the question often remains distressing: is it really appropriate to give peanuts to a 5-month-old baby? Experts remind that this must be done safely (for example in the form of peanut puree or powder mixed with compote, never whole to avoid the risk of suffocation) and, in the case of a child at high risk of allergies, with medical monitoring.

This spectacular decline finally offers a glimmer of hope in an area where numbers had continued to rise. If the trend continues in the years to come, today’s children could be the first to grow up in a world where peanut allergies are becoming increasingly rare.

Source: Madmoizelle