Introducing peanut-based products early reduce child peanut allergy later in life, according to a new study published in NEJM Evidence. Feeding children peanut products regularly from infancy to the age of five can decrease the rate of peanut allergy in adolescence by a remarkable 71%, according to a study sponsored and co-funded by the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
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Key Findings from the Study:
Reduce Child Peanut Allergy Risk:
The study, sponsored by the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), provides conclusive evidence that early consumption of peanut products can achieve long-term prevention of peanut allergies.
Expert Endorsement:
NIAID Director Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo emphasized the importance of these findings, suggesting that implementing this strategy widely could prevent tens of thousands of peanut allergy cases annually among the 3.6 million children born in the United States each year.
About the LEAP-Trio Study:
The LEAP-Trio study builds on previous research, which demonstrated that early introduction of peanut products reduced the risk of developing a peanut allergy by 81% at the age of five. The latest study aimed to see if this protection lasted into adolescence.
Study Details:
Participants:
Of the original 640 participants, 508 were enrolled in the recent study. They were divided into a peanut-consumption group and a peanut-avoidance group, with an average age of 13.
Testing:
Participants were tested for peanut allergies by gradually increasing their peanut intake to see if they could safely consume at least 5 grams (about 20 peanuts).
Results:
Peanut-Avoidance Group:
Over 15% had developed a peanut allergy by age 12 or older.
Peanut-Consumption Group:
Only 4.4% had a peanut allergy.
Consistency Not Required:
The protective effect of early peanut consumption lasted even without consistent peanut consumption throughout childhood and early adolescence.
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Conclusion:
This groundbreaking research underscores the importance of introducing peanut products to young children’s diets to reduce the risk of peanut allergies. By following established guidelines, parents can provide lasting protection for their children against peanut allergies, potentially transforming food allergy prevention strategies.
