Child Nutrition - The Age of Reaction to Peanuts Drops

By Colleen Hurley, RD, Certified Kid’s Nutrition Specialist

While naysayers believe peanut allergies are much more rare than the media lets on, a recent study proves otherwise.  The study, conducted by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), revealed that the age at which children are exposed to peanuts and elicit an allergic response has dropped significantly over the past decade.  The results of this study come as a bit of a surprise considering the emphasis on at risk families to avoid  introducting peanuts to their children during the first 3 years of life.

A review of peanut allergic infants and children during 2006-2007 revealed the median age of dietary peanut introduction and reaction occurred between 14-18 months.  A study of a similar population from 1995-1997 concluded the median age of reaction to peanuts occurred between 22-24 months of age.  That is an astonishing 50% drop in age of reaction.

The results suggest that the AAP endorsed recommendations for delaying peanuts until 3 years of age in the diet of infants with familial history of food allergies are not being followed.  According to the AAP, the cases of peanut allergies in children have doubled over the past 10 years. This is possibly due to an increase in the rate of food allergies as well as hightened awareness throughout the medical community.  Further research is being conducted to determine if delayed introduction of peanuts increases tolerance or actually prevents a food allergy in children. 

Of the peanut allergic children studied, researchers discovered that 67% of the them were allergic to other foods, 66% were male, and 82% had a first-degree relative with similar food allergies. This suggests that knowledge is power and by knowing your family health history you can help prevent food allergies in your child.

Peanut allergies can range from moderate to severe and vary from child to child.  It is important to note that an allergy to peanuts is not the same as an allergy to tree nuts.  Peanuts are not a true nut but rather a legume.  If you are wanting to avoid peanuts in your infants diet in order to help prevent food allergies it is important to read food labels carefully.  Food manufacturers are required to list common allergens on food labels.  If you see “processed in a plant that also manufactures peanuts or other tree nuts” on a food label you should avoid that food.  Peanuts form tiny spores that travel through the air which is why cross-contamination of foods without peanuts as a main ingredient is so common.  For additional information on nut-free products, visit Peanut Allergy.com.