Puncturing peanut allergies: experts advise introducing babies to nuts in early weaning stages

New research shows if peanut products are introduced to a babies diet in the first four to six months, 77% of allergies could be avoided.

A new study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Now, displays if babies are introduced to peanut butter between four and six months old, it can reduce their risk of developing a potential life-threatening allergy.

The analysis, led by Professor Graham Roberts from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Southampton Biomedical Research Centre and Professor Gideon Lack at King’s College London, discovered most peanut allergies have already developed by the time child turns one.

Experts also unveiled that the allergy is more common in children with severe eczema an intolerance to eggs and children of non-white ethnicity.

However, 77% peanut allergies can be avoided, scientists say, if parents decide to introduce their babies to the food early on. Following this, researchers discovered 10,000 out of the estimated 13,000 cases of peanut nut allergies diagnosed each year could be abhorred.

Additionally, if parents decided to wait until their child turns one before feeding them nuts only 33% of allergy cases can be combated – a significant decrease. 

Whilst introducing babies to peanuts, researchers say parents should begin by offering small amounts of fruits and vegetables and then when the baby is comfortable, offer them around three tablespoons of peanut butter per week – this should be maintained for a couple of years. 

Professor Roberts, from the University of Southampton, said decades of advice to avoid peanuts had ‘understandably led to parental fear’ of giving children the food and shifting rules led to large amounts of confusion from both within medicine and from parents. 

However, Roberts said this was a ‘simple, low-cost, safe intervention’ that would deliver vast benefits for future generations’. 

Professor Gideon Lack added: ‘The benefits of introducing peanut products into babies’ diet decreases as they get older.

‘This reflects the experience in Israel, a culture in which peanut products are commonly introduced early into the infant diet and peanut allergy is rare.’

Peanut allergies have been rising in the UK with an estimated one-in-50 children now affected. Food allergies are the result of our immune system mistaking something harmless for a severe threat.

Experts warn whole or chopped nuts and peanuts are a choking risk and should not be given to children under the age of five. Current NHS guidance does say crushed or grounded peanuts can be introduced from around six months old.

Image: hui sang