Scientists emphasized the benefits of early introduction of peanuts into the diet of children

Early inclusion of peanuts in a child's diet can prevent the development of allergies in the future. A recent study has shown that parents face difficulties in properly applying the recommendations for introducing nuts into baby food. This was reported on December 18 by Medical Xpress magazine.

The lead author of the study is a doctor of medical Sciences, a pediatrician at the Children's Hospital named after Ann and Roberta H. Lurie, associate professor of pediatrics at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Wahida Samadi, noted that many parents realize that introducing peanuts into the diet trains the immune system to prevent allergies, but some mistakenly believed that the goal was to test children's bodies for allergies.

"This misconception fueled fears of a severe allergic reaction, leading to hesitation and delays in introducing peanuts into the diet. For the prevention of peanut allergy, the time and regularity of administration are extremely important. We recommend introducing peanuts into the baby's diet as soon as he starts eating solid foods, before or around six months of age. It is also important to continue giving peanuts twice a week during the first year of life and into early childhood. Feeding babies peanuts just once or twice is not enough," she added.

Samadi and her colleagues analyzed 49 interviews with parents of infants aged 8-13 months. During the analysis, the researchers found that most parents do not understand that eczema significantly increases the risk of food allergies in a child — this makes the inclusion of peanuts in the diet at an early age even more important. According to the specialist, this should be done about every four months to prevent the consequences.

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The doctor also noted that pediatricians play a key role in the successful implementation of the recommendations. To improve the process, they should explain to parents that early administration of peanuts prevents allergies through regular eating, as well as give specific recommendations on the time and frequency of administration. At the same time, it is emphasized that many adults are positive about the prospect of including peanuts in the diet at an early age.

"Parents should be assured that if their child is allergic to peanuts, hives, swelling, or vomiting may occur, but allergic reactions in infancy are usually mild. We must provide parents with information and action plans so that this does not prevent them from participating in the early introduction of peanuts into the children's diet," concluded the specialist.

On August 1, Science Daily magazine reported an increased risk of asthma in infants due to food allergies. According to the study, minors with food allergies in infancy were four times more likely to develop asthma by the age of six compared to those who did not have such allergic reactions. These children also showed a decrease in respiratory function.

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