Can We Prevent Peanut Allergies?

As it turns out, we can!  The LEAP (Learning Early About Peanut Allergy) study suggests that in higher risk infants, introduction of peanut between the ages of 4-11 months actually prevents peanut allergy!  Peanut allergy is on the rise in Kansas City as is the case in all Western countries.  Previous guidelines had recommended removal of peanuts and other highly allergenic foods from the diet of high risk infants.  This thinking seems to be taking a “180”.

A board certified allergist can help you decide if your infant is a candidate for this.  More studies are needed to see the effects of this decades down the road but this is a new direction in our approach to food allergy and prevention.