Early peanut exposure may prevent peanut allergy
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A new study published in the journal NEJM Evidence suggests that introducing peanut butter during infancy may significantly reduce the risk of developing peanut allergies later in life. Researchers found that early exposure to peanut-containing foods helps train the immune system to tolerate peanuts rather than react against them. The findings support updated pediatric guidelines encouraging parents to introduce peanut products safely during infancy, particularly in children at high risk for allergies, under medical guidance when appropriate.
Source
Du Toit, G., Huffaker, M. F., Radulovic, S., Feeney, M., Fisher, H. R., Byron, M., Dunaway, L., Calatroni, A., Johnson, M., Foong, R. X., Marques-Mejias, A., Bartha, I., Basting, M., Brough, H. A., Baloh, C., Laidlaw, T. M., Bahnson, H. T., Roberts, G., Plaut, M., Wheatley, L. M., … Immune Tolerance Network LEAP-Trio Trial Team (2024). Follow-up to Adolescence after Early Peanut Introduction for Allergy Prevention. NEJM evidence, 3(6), EVIDoa2300311. https://doi.org/10.1056/EVIDoa2300311
Additional Reading
https://edition.cnn.com/2024/05/28/health/peanut-allergy-infants-adolescents-wellness