Study Finds Peanut Consumption in Infancy Prevents Peanut Allergy

Study Finds Peanut Consumption in Infancy Prevents Peanut Allergy

Does Peanut Consumption in Infancy Prevent Peanut Allergy?

A new NIAID-funded study suggests that early consumption of peanut may prevent peanut allergy in children at high risk of developing the allergy. Under careful medical supervision, infants were assigned to either avoid or include peanut products in their diets until 5 years of age.

The researchers found an 81 percent reduction of peanut allergy in children who consumed peanut compared to those who avoided peanut. The study is the first to show that early introduction of peanut is beneficial, but the researchers caution that parents of children at risk for developing food allergy should discuss dietary questions with an allergist or pediatrician.

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