 New Research Shows that Peanuts Should be Introduced to Infants New research shows that peanuts should be introduced to infants at age 4-6 months when other solid foods are introduced. Peanut allergies are a common problem and becoming more common over time. The prevalence of peanut allergies has more than quadrupled in the past 13 years, growing from 0.4% in 1997 to 1.4% in 2008 to more than 2% in 2010. Peanut allergies can be very severe and are the leading cause of anaphylaxis and death related to food allergy in the United States. It is not clear why peanut allergies are increasing but some interesting research is being done to find ways to reverse this trend. A recently published study in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that allowing children at high risk for developing peanut allergies to consume peanuts from infancy through age 5 decreased the risk of developing an allergy. Some 640 infants (age range, 4-11 months) with severe eczema or egg allergy were divided into two groups. The first group was given peanuts (2 g peanut protein 3 times/week) and the second group avoided peanuts until age 5. The prevalence of peanut allergy at age 5 was significantly lower in the peanut consumption group than in the avoidance group (1.9% vs. 13.7%). Although more research has to be done to find the best way to prevent peanut allergies from developing, the authors of that study recommend that peanuts be introduced to infants at age 4-6 months when other solid foods are introduced. However any infant between 4 months and 8 months of age believed to be at risk for peanut allergy (bad eczema or other documented food allergies) should undergo skin-prick testing for peanut. If the test results are negative, the child should be started on a diet that includes 2 g of peanut protein three times a week for at least 3 years. If the results of the skin prick testing are mildly positive the child should undergo a food challenge in which peanut is administered and the child's response observed by a physician who has experience performing a food challenge. At Performance Pediatrics we agree with the recommendations and think most infants should be exposed to peanut products in their diet. If you feel your child is at high risk for developing an allergy please talk to us before introducing peanuts. | 
