New research indicates that early introduction of peanuts to infants significantly reduces the risk of developing food allergies, with eggs now being the most common allergen among children.
Recent studies have shifted the longstanding advice regarding peanut consumption in infants, suggesting that early exposure can significantly lower the risk of developing food allergies. A study conducted by the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, published in October 2025 in the journal *Pediatrics*, found that introducing peanuts during infancy led to a 27% decrease in peanut allergy diagnoses and a 38% reduction in overall food allergies among children.
Historically, parents were advised to avoid giving peanuts to babies for the first few years of life. However, emerging research supports the idea that introducing peanuts as early as 4 to 11 months can help prevent allergies. This change in perspective stems from the landmark 2015 Learning Early About Peanut Allergy (LEAP) trial, which demonstrated that infants with severe eczema or an egg allergy could reduce their risk of developing a peanut allergy by 81% when exposed to peanuts early.
The updated guidelines from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in 2021 further encouraged parents to introduce peanuts, eggs, and other major food allergens as early as 4 to 6 months, even for children without prior allergic reactions. This shift aims to combat the rising prevalence of food allergies among children.
Dr. Stanislaw Gabryszewski, the first author of the study and an attending physician in the Division of Allergy and Immunology at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, expressed optimism about the findings. “Everyone has been wondering whether these landmark public health interventions have had an impact on reducing rates of IgE-mediated food allergies in the United States,” he stated. “We now have data that suggest the effect of this landmark public health intervention is occurring.”
The study’s authors emphasized the importance of education and advocacy surrounding early food introduction practices. They noted that if these findings are confirmed, they would represent a significant advancement in public health, demonstrating that clinical research, when paired with clear guidelines, can effectively alter the trajectory of childhood food allergies.
While the study provides valuable insights, it is important to note that it only included data up to early 2019 and did not account for the 2021 guidelines promoting the early introduction of multiple allergens. Additionally, the research relied on electronic health records for allergy diagnoses, which may overlook some cases, and did not capture individual feeding patterns. As an observational study, it can only establish associations rather than direct cause-and-effect relationships.
Food allergies can pose serious health risks, with peanut allergies in particular leading to severe, life-threatening reactions such as difficulty breathing, throat swelling, and a dangerous drop in blood pressure. These reactions necessitate immediate treatment with epinephrine, a critical allergy medication.
Despite the encouraging findings, not all parents may feel comfortable adhering to the revised guidelines. Dr. Susan Schuval, chief of the Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, noted, “Not everyone has followed those guidelines, but this is further evidence that this early introduction is effective at preventing food allergies.” She encourages parents to consult with their pediatricians regarding any concerns before introducing potential food allergens to their children.
The evolving understanding of food allergies highlights the importance of ongoing research and communication between healthcare providers and families. As more data emerges, the hope is to further reduce the incidence of food allergies and improve the health outcomes for children.
According to Fox News Digital, the implications of these findings could lead to a broader acceptance of early allergen introduction, ultimately benefiting public health.