For the last ten or fifteen years, American society has been going through a phase of intense peanut allergy hysteria in which many parents seem to think their children will immediately die if exposed to the tiniest traces of peanuts or any peanut-related products. While there are some children who are actually allergic to peanuts, and even some children who are deathly allergic to them, the vast majority of kids are not. A study done at the University of Portsmouth in the U.K. proved that not only are peanut allergies incredibly rare, but four out of five kids who claim (or who parents claim) they are allergic to peanuts and other foods, are either lying or delusional.
Now, a new study has emerged that shows that one of the best ways to prevent peanut allergies in children is to feed them peanuts and peanut butter when they are young. This study flies in the face of recent advice from doctors, who have been warning parents to avoid giving their babies peanuts in order to prevent later allergies.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that in high-risk infants, eating peanuts reduced the risk of later allergies by a whopping 80 percent. Experts involved in the research are thrilled with the results of the study. Dr. Lee Tak Hong, who works at the Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital’s allergy branch, said “This is transformational, it’s the first time it’s ever been done…Recent advances in research have shown that you can be desensitized once you have it. Up until now, there hasn’t been any research on how to prevent it.”
It is too early to tell whether the new study will finally put an end to the annoying fad of peanut allergy hysteria or not. Medical professionals familiar with this field of study caution against trying a peanut-based diet in high risk infants unless the child’s pediatrician says it is a good idea. As always, it is best to check with your primary doctor before considering any dietary changes for yourself or your family, especially when it comes to anyone who could be considered high risk for allergies.
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