Changing the Future of Peanut Allergies

For years, children and parents alike have worried about how early kids should be exposed to certain foods without causing an allergy. A recent article in the Wall Street Journal talks about a study that may indicate a way to lessen food allergies among children.

The proposed idea is to give the child a small dose of the food, so for example peanuts at around 11 months old. This is something new because for years parents were told not to give certain foods to their kids until about three years old. The results for a recent study of children who stayed away from peanuts until five years old had a 17.2% chance of becoming allergic, while the group that ate peanuts regularly had only a 3.2% chance of becoming allergic.

The key for the study is not necessarily avoidance, nor was it early introduction. From what I understood, the important part was the gradual introduction of the food.

Scientists wonder that if these results could be repeated again what the possibilities could be. Eventually, the hope would be to try this study with other foods like eggs to see the results.

It would be interesting to think if this theory could work on children, maybe it work on adults as well by just gradually adding whatever food they’re allergic to in their diets. Personally, my best friend growing up was very allergic to peanuts and it has continued her whole life. To think that she wouldn't have to carry around EpiPens everywhere after 20 years of doing so, would be life changing.

While a firm statement has not been made for either side, the future seems encouraging.

#health #allergies