Give babies peanut butter to cut peanut allergies, study says (bbc.com)

Article summary

Research suggests introducing peanut butter to babies between four and six months old can reduce peanut allergies by 77%. The study recommends starting with small amounts of peanut butter, around three heaped teaspoons a week, and maintaining it for years. This approach is a shift from previous advice to avoid allergenic foods during early childhood. The new guidance aims to help prevent peanut allergies, which have been rising in the UK, affecting an estimated one-in-50 children.

Main themes

• peanut allergy prevention
• introducing allergenic foods
• childhood nutrition
• immunology
• SIDS and co-sleeping
• genetic components of allergies
• cultural influences on health outcomes

What commenters say

• Introducing allergenic foods like peanuts early in life can help prevent allergies, as seen in cultures where these foods are commonly consumed.
• The previous advice to avoid allergenic foods was not based on science and may have contributed to the rise in allergies.
• There is a risk of anaphylactic shock if introducing allergenic foods too early, and caution is necessary.
• Some commenters disagree with the timing and approach of introducing peanut butter, citing concerns about choking hazards and the need for more research.
• The concept of introducing allergenic foods early is not new and has been recommended by some childcare professionals for preventing allergies.
• There is a discussion about the potential genetic component of allergies and how it may interact with environmental factors.
• Commenters also touch on the topic of co-sleeping and SIDS, highlighting the complexity and nuance of the issue.
• The importance of considering the difference in mortality rates and the potential for survivorship bias when evaluating the effectiveness of introducing allergenic foods is also mentioned.