Peanut-Containing Foods For Babies To Cut Allergy [STUDY]

As described by the new U.S and Canada guidelines that get a data from National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, babies now should be given peanut-containing food earlier in order to avoid allergies.

The guidelines which released on 5th January, based on a random test in 2015 which included 640 babies with severe egg allergy, eczema or both. The result of the test is an early introduction of peanut-containing foods reduces a chance of developing peanut allergic reaction by age five among infants as they are considered as a high risk in allergic.

An allergist and immunology professor at McMaster University in Hamilton, Dr. Susan Waserman who has been working for about twenty-five years on a peanuts exposure said that an early introduction of peanut among parents could be a hard message to tell as it has a fear factor.

The question about how long the infants should continue to eat the peanut-containing foods from the first trial and how much is still not answered since the study by LEAP (Learning Early about Peanut) conducted. Doctors suggest giving a small amount for three times a week.

CSACI (Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology) endorsed the guidelines which are:

Foods

Parents can start by giving a peanut butter, a peanut-flavoured snacks or peanut flour. Avoid whole peanuts as it cause a choking risk.

How

Two teaspoons of peanut butter mix it with two or three teaspoons of hot water and let it cool. Parents can add it to the bowl of pureed vegetables of fruits. 

Where

The first trial can be done at home, especially for the children who has no symptoms of any illness.

What to notice

The introduction only given in a small portion, and wait for the reaction after ten minutes. However, parents should keep giving their attention to catching the later reactions such as hives or rash around the face.