Study confirms infant exposure therapy can prevent peanut allergy.
Study confirms infant exposure therapy can prevent peanut allergy.
Early Introduction to Peanuts Can Prevent Allergies in Infants
By Cara Murez, HealthDay Reporter
Have you ever wondered about the best way to introduce peanuts to your baby’s diet without triggering allergies? A recent study conducted at the Cleveland Clinic has revealed promising results, highlighting the benefits of early and gradual exposure to peanuts for infants. This research provides valuable insights for parents and caregivers who want to reduce the risk of peanut allergies in their children.
The study focused on infants between 7 and 11 months old, a significantly younger age group than previous research targeting toddlers. Dr. Sandra Hong, the director of the Food Allergy Center of Excellence at the Cleveland Clinic, emphasized the need to understand the safety and efficacy of peanut oral immunotherapy in children 12 months and younger. This makes the clinic’s Food Allergy Center of Excellence a perfect setting for this study.
At the center, children under the age of 4 are given tiny amounts of peanuts in a carefully controlled process. The study enrolled 22 infants, each working with an allergist and parent to gradually introduce peanuts into their diet. Initially, the infants consumed a daily dose of 18 milligrams of peanut protein, equivalent to roughly twice the weight of a grain of table salt. Over six months, this amount was gradually increased until they reached a maintenance dose of 500 milligrams, equivalent to two peanut kernels.
Throughout the process, the infants were closely monitored by medical professionals. More than half of the participants experienced mild allergic reactions, which resolved on their own. Only one of the babies required the use of epinephrine, indicating a more severe allergic reaction. It is crucial to emphasize that safety is of utmost importance and this treatment should always be done under the guidance of a trained allergist.
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Upon completing the oral immunotherapy, 14 out of the 22 infants underwent an allergy test to assess their sensitivity to peanuts. Notably, all 14 showed a reduced sensitivity to peanuts, a promising outcome for allergy prevention. Furthermore, 11 of these infants participated in an oral food challenge, where they were fed increasing doses of peanut protein up to the equivalent of nine peanuts (2,000 milligrams). The results were remarkable, with 91% of these infants tolerating peanuts without triggering any allergic reactions.
Dr. Sarah Johnson, a fellow at the Cleveland Clinic and the lead author of the study, emphasized the significance of age in the success of peanut oral immunotherapy. Infants have a more adaptable immune system, allowing them to develop tolerance to peanuts without experiencing severe reactions or significant side effects. This finding suggests that early introduction to peanuts can potentially prevent the development of peanut allergies.
Peanut allergies are a prevalent concern, as approximately 1.5 million children in the United States have this allergy. Unfortunately, fewer than one-third of these children naturally develop tolerance to peanuts. The findings of this study offer a glimmer of hope for parents and families dealing with the challenges of managing peanut allergies.
It is essential to reiterate that peanut oral immunotherapy should only be conducted under the supervision of a trained allergist. Dr. Hong emphasizes that families must prioritize safety and avoid attempting this treatment on their own due to the risk of triggering allergic reactions. With a professional overseeing the process, any potential reactions can be swiftly identified and treated.
This ground-breaking research was recently published in the Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology: In Practice. The study underscores the importance of early and gradual exposure to peanuts under medical supervision as an effective strategy to reduce the risk of peanut allergies in infants. By introducing peanuts at a young age, parents can potentially enhance their child’s tolerance to peanuts, leading to a higher quality of life free from the limitations imposed by this common food allergy.
Sources:
- Cleveland Clinic, news release, Aug. 3, 2023
- Image source: HealthDay – Early Introduction to Peanuts
