Recent research underscores the long-lasting benefits of early peanut introduction in preventing peanut allergy. The study provides compelling evidence that consuming peanut products from infancy until age 5 significantly reduces the risk of developing peanut allergies later in life.
In the LEAP-Trio study, researchers assessed 508 of the original 640 participants, now averaging 13 years old, to determine the long-term effects of early peanut consumption. Participants who regularly consumed peanuts as infants exhibited a 71% lower prevalence of peanut allergy by adolescence compared to those who avoided peanuts during this critical period.
The findings revealed that peanut allergy rates at age 12 or older were markedly lower among those who had consumed peanuts early in life (4.4%) compared to those who had avoided peanuts (15.4%). This sustained protection persisted despite varying levels of peanut consumption after age 5.
The study highlights the effectiveness of early introduction in providing lasting tolerance, which remains significant even if the consumption of peanuts is inconsistent or avoided later in childhood. This underscores the potential for a simple dietary intervention to substantially decrease peanut allergy rates, a significant public health concern.
The research also emphasises the importance of continuing to promote, and implement, early peanut introduction practices as a preventative measure against peanut allergies. It offers a clear directive for parents and caregivers to adhere to guidelines for introducing peanuts to infants, which could lead to a reduction in allergy cases.
Overall, the study reinforces the value of early allergen exposure in preventing peanut allergies and supports the ongoing application of this approach to protect future generations from this common and, potentially, severe allergy.
Katie Wright, EMJ
Reference
Du Toit G et al. Follow-up to adolescence after early peanut introduction for allergy prevention. NEJM Evid. 2024;3(6):EVIDoa2300311.
