Landmark Peanut Allergy Study Shows Dramatic Reduction in Childhood Allergies a Decade Later
New data confirms the lasting impact of the Learning Early About Peanut Allergy (LEAP) trial, published in 2015 by Gideon Lack at King’s College London, demonstrating a significant decrease in the advancement of peanut allergies through early introduction of peanut products.
Approximately eight per cent of children are affected by food allergies, with over two per cent specifically allergic to peanuts. Peanut allergy occurs when the immune system incorrectly identifies peanut proteins as harmful, triggering reactions ranging from hives and respiratory issues to life-threatening anaphylaxis.
For years, medical advice recommended delaying the introduction of allergenic foods like peanuts until children reached three years of age. Though, the LEAP trial challenged this approach, revealing that introducing peanut products in infancy could reduce the future risk of developing food allergies by more than 80 per cent. Subsequent analysis indicated this protection persisted in roughly 70 per cent of children into adolescence.
Despite the groundbreaking findings and updated guidelines urging early introduction, implementation has been slow due to initial confusion and uncertainty surrounding the safest methods. Concerns were raised about replicating the study’s success outside of controlled clinical environments.
Current guidance, updated in 2021, recommends introducing peanuts and other major food allergens between four and six months of age, without prior screening or testing. Experts advise parents to consult with their paediatricians for personalized guidance.
“It doesn’t have to be a lot of the food,but little tastes of peanut butter,milk-based yogurt,soy-based yogurts and tree nut butters,” said Hill. “These are really good ways to allow the immune system exposure to these allergenic foods in a safe way.”
