Addendum on Food Allergy: Early introduction of Peanuts

by Doctor Laurence H. Miller on 04/07/15

Exciting news on the science of FOOD ALLERGY was just published in the prestigious NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE last month.

It's been the conventional wisdom to avoid giving peanuts to babies until after they turn a year old. Now it's been proven that the risk of peanut allergy is reduced by WELL over 50% by introducing it to the diet at around six months of age.

Interestingly, one of the mothers in our Practice shared with me that that has been the tradition in Israel for YEARS.  And very few people there have peanut allergy.

Begin with less than a teaspoon thinly spread on soft bread.  Always start a new food before noon, at least three days after starting any other new food.  And always have Benadryl liquid in the home, just in case you see a reaction to the new food.  It's easy to remember how much to give if a child has hives:

a 22 pound baby gets 1 teaspoon 4 times a day;

a 33 pound baby gets 1 1/2 teaspoons 4 times a day;

a 44 pound baby gets 2 teaspoons 4 times a day;

a 66 pound child gets 3 teaspoons 4 times a day.

The science shows that early introduction reduces the risk of developing peanut allergy  ESPECIALLY IN CHILDREN AT HIGH RISK OF FOOD ALLERGY.  That would be kids who have close relatives with allergies, or if the child already shows signs of sensitive skin (eczema, atopic dermatitis), or asthma.

The study that was conducted only looked at peanuts, but we'll keep a look out for reports on early introduction of other "at risk" foods, such as eggs and tree nuts (almonds, walnuts, pistachios).