Babies given peanuts, fish and eggs early are less likely to develop allergies, study finds

A Canadian review of more than 190 studies published in JAMA Pediatrics found that early and consistent introduction of peanuts, eggs and fish was linked to lower risk of those food allergies, while delaying peanut introduction past 12 months was associated with about double the risk.

A new Canadian review found that giving babies peanuts, eggs, fish and other common allergenic foods early and consistently is linked to a lower risk of developing allergies. Researchers analyzed more than 190 food allergy studies from around the world for the report published in JAMA Pediatrics. The analysis reported that delaying introduction of peanut-containing foods until after 12 months doubled the likelihood of peanut allergy. Similar associations were reported for fish and eggs. Key findings: - Delaying peanut introduction until after 12 months was associated with about double the risk of peanut allergy. - Similar associations were reported for fish and eggs. - Infants who had other allergies, asthma, wheezing or eczema in their first year, or who had an allergic parent or sibling, were identified as higher risk for developing food allergy. - The review noted that continued, regular consumption of an introduced allergenic food was associated with maintaining tolerance, a point consistent with Canadian Paediatric Society guidance that newly introduced foods be eaten a few times a week to maintain tolerance. - Food Allergy Canada cautioned that peanuts are a choking hazard and described a method for introducing peanut safely by mixing peanut butter with hot water, cooling the mixture and adding it to soft foods the baby is already eating. - The study suggested that antibiotics in the first month of life could be a possible risk factor for developing food allergy, but said additional study is needed. Summary: The review reinforces that early and continued exposure to common allergenic foods is associated with lower risk of some food allergies and aligns with existing Canadian pediatric guidance. The findings also highlight groups at higher reported risk and identify questions, such as the role of very early antibiotic exposure, that require further research. Undetermined at this time.