Peanut Allergies Are Drastically Declining Among Kids, Here’s Why

Parents and physicians today are taking peanut allergy prevention seriously, and a new study shows it’s paying off.

For years, peanut allergies have led the pack as the most prevalent food allergy among kids under 3. And while all food allergies pose risks, 80% of kids who develop a peanut allergy never outgrow it, making it a lifelong struggle. As rates climbed throughout the 2000s—reaching as high as 1.46% between 2012 and 2015—researchers, doctors and parents began searching for ways to reverse the trend.

The change would come little by little as studies uncovered more evidence. In 2008, the AAP rescinded prior guidance to delay peanut introduction until age 3, after finding that it didn’t protect against allergies. Then, a groundbreaking study in 2015 would reveal that parents could cut their baby’s risk of peanut allergy by introducing peanuts earlier. By 2017, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease would formally recommended early peanut introduction for all babies at low risk of developing peanut allergy and for high-risk babies if appropriate after testing for peanut allergy.

It may have taken a moment for pediatricians and parents to come to a consensus and get on board, but early peanut introduction adoption quickly picked up pace after the 2017 recommendations. Soon, parents could be found cautiously trying peanuts in ER parking lots, and dozens of peanut introduction products hit the market to make the process safer and simpler.

As a result, a new analysis of allergy rates show the food allergy rates for children under 3 fell from a high of 1.46% between 2012 and 2015 to .93 percent between 2017 and 2020. The drastic reduction in peanut allergy rates—a 43% reduction since 2012—also led to a 36% reduction in all food allergies. Today, eggs have overtaken peanuts as the most common allergen in young children, with an incidence rate of about 1.3%.

Study authors admitted that there were limitations to the study, considering they did not get specific information from each child about what they ate and when, but it does show a strong link between the guidelines introduction and reduction in allergies. Further studies may look at the impact of new 2021 guidelines and the effect of the pandemic on allergy rates.

The latest national guidelines from the American Academy of Allergy and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) established in 2021 recommend the introduction of peanut, egg, and other major food allergens at age 4 to 6 months, regardless of atopic history or food allergy testing. To prevent possible choking hazards, the AAP suggests introducing children under 4 to ground peanuts or other formulations instead of whole or broken peanuts.

It’s important to talk to your pediatrician before introducing any new foods to your baby’s diet. Learn more about the research into peanut allergies and how to spot and prevent food allergies from pediatric allergists and immunologists.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.