Early peanut exposure prevents allergies

[WORLD] Introducing peanut products to infants as early as four months old can dramatically reduce the risk of developing a peanut allergy, according to a comprehensive study conducted by researchers at King's College London and supported by the U.S. National Institutes of Health. The study, published in NEJM Evidence, reveals that consistent consumption of peanut-based foods from infancy to age five led to a 71% decrease in peanut allergy prevalence by adolescence.

The LEAP-Trio Study: Long-Term Insights

The LEAP-Trio study, an extension of the earlier Learning Early About Peanut Allergy (LEAP) trial, tracked over 500 children from infancy into their teenage years. Participants who consumed peanut products regularly during the first five years of life were significantly less likely to develop a peanut allergy by age 13 compared to those who avoided peanuts during the same period. Only 4.4% of the early peanut exposure group developed an allergy, compared to 15.4% in the avoidance group.

Methodology and Findings

The study involved introducing peanut-containing foods, such as smooth peanut butter or peanut puffs, into infants' diets starting at four to six months of age. These foods were administered regularly until the children reached five years old. Even after the intervention period, the protective effects persisted, with minimal new cases of peanut allergy emerging in the exposed group during the follow-up years. This suggests that early exposure can "train" the immune system to tolerate peanuts, potentially offering lifelong protection.

Implications for Public Health

Peanut allergies are among the most common and potentially severe food allergies, often leading to anaphylaxis. In Western countries, approximately 2% of children are affected by peanut allergies . The findings from this study could have significant public health implications, potentially preventing tens of thousands of new peanut allergy cases annually if widely implemented.

Expert Perspectives

Professor Gideon Lack, the study's lead investigator, emphasized the simplicity and effectiveness of early peanut introduction as a preventive measure. He noted that this approach could substantially reduce the prevalence of peanut allergies in future generations . Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo, director of the NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, also supported the findings, stating that the strategy could prevent tens of thousands of cases of peanut allergy annually in the United States alone.

Recommendations for Parents and Caregivers

Health experts advise that parents and caregivers consider introducing peanut products to infants around four to six months of age, particularly for those at high risk of developing allergies. However, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before introducing peanuts, especially for infants with severe eczema or egg allergies, to ensure safety and appropriate guidance.

The LEAP-Trio study provides compelling evidence that early and consistent exposure to peanut products can significantly reduce the risk of developing a peanut allergy. This simple dietary intervention offers a promising strategy for allergy prevention, with the potential to impact public health positively.