Study: Early consumption may prevent peanut allergy

Story highlights Study shows eating peanuts as a baby can cut risk of developing the allergy by 80% Parents with allergic children have long been told to avoid peanuts Allergy specialists say research for peanut allergy prevention is groundbreaking CNN — Parents who have children with food allergies know all too well about the headaches in keeping their lives “nut-free.” But a new study suggests that peanut allergy can be prevented at a young age by embracing peanuts, not avoiding them. Eating peanut products as a baby significantly reduces the risk of developing the allergy by 80% in high-risk infants, a study in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests. Dr. Gideon Lack, head of the research team, says that the study excluded infants who had already showed early strong signs of developed peanut allergy. “Parents of infants and young children with eczema or egg allergy should consult with an allergist, pediatrician, or their general practitioner prior to feeding them peanut products.” READ: Hypoallergenic nuts to solve nut allergies ‘Transformational’ Allergy specialists say the research in peanut allergy prevention is groundbreaking.