Introduction of Peanuts to Infants May Prevent Allergies
Research Findings from Canadian Family Physician
A recent analysis published in the Canadian Family Physician suggests that introducing peanuts to infants earlier in life may help prevent the development of peanut allergies. Peanuts are well-known allergens, and a peanut allergy can occur in sensitive individuals whose bodies mistakenly identify peanut proteins as harmful. This misidentification triggers the immune system to produce antibodies, leading to various allergic reactions.
Symptoms of Peanut Allergy
Individuals with a peanut allergy may experience symptoms such as itching, swelling due to fluid retention, eczema, and uncontrollable sneezing. In severe cases, these reactions can escalate to more serious conditions such as asthma, abdominal pain, and decreased blood pressure. If left untreated, these symptoms may progress to anaphylactic shock, which can be life-threatening due to constricted airways, severe diarrhea leading to dehydration, and potential cardiac arrest.
Research Overview
Researchers Danielle Perry, Adrienne J. Lindblad, Bonnleca Islam, and Christina Korownyk reviewed previous studies to assess how early exposure to peanuts affects infants, considering their varying allergy risks. Their findings were published in the Canadian Family Physician.
Evidence from Randomized Control Trials
The first study they analyzed was a randomized control trial by Du Toit and colleagues, published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2015. This study involved high-risk infants divided into two groups: one consuming peanuts and the other avoiding them. Infants in the peanut consumption group ingested approximately 6 grams of peanuts daily. At the age of five, only 3.2% of these children showed an allergic reaction when reintroduced to peanuts, compared to 17.2% in the avoidance group. Notably, one child from the avoidance group required epinephrine after an oral food challenge.
The second study, conducted by Perkin MR and published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2016, included normal-risk infants who were still breastfeeding. These infants were split into two groups: one exposed to six allergens and the other not exposed to allergens before six months. The allergen-exposed group received 2 grams of peanuts weekly. Although there was a slight decrease in allergic reactions among the exposed infants, the results were not statistically significant.
The third study focused on newborns and the timing of food introduction. This observational study by Tran and colleagues indicated that avoiding peanuts in the first year of life could increase the risk of allergic reactions. Infants with severe eczema or egg allergies are particularly at risk and require early skin allergy testing and immunoglobulin measurement.
Recommendations for Early Peanut Exposure
The findings from these studies led researchers to conclude that early introduction of peanuts may reduce the likelihood of developing allergies. This represents a significant shift in recommendations for parents. Until recently, guidelines in North America advised against peanut exposure until the age of 12 months or older.
Conclusion
The analysis highlights the importance of early peanut exposure in potentially preventing allergies, offering new guidance for parents navigating infant nutrition.
References
(1) Perry, D., Lindblad, A. J., Islam, B., & Korownyk, C. (2018). Benefits of early peanut introduction. Canadian Family Physician, 64(3), 201-201.
(2) Addendum Guidelines for the Prevention of Peanut Allergy in the United States: Summary for Parents and Caregivers. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. 17 January 2017. NIH.gov QuickFacts. Retrieved 16 November 2017.