Introduce Eggs And Peanuts Early in Infants' Diets to Reduce The Risk of Allergies

In the 1970s, food allergies were practically unheard of in classrooms, playgrounds, and households.

Today, the story is starkly different, especially in Australia, which holds the dubious honor of having the highest rates of food allergies in the world.

Up to one in 10 infants and two in 10 school-aged children in Australia now have a proven food allergy.

The statistics are alarming: between 1998 and 2012, hospital visits for anaphylaxis—a life-threatening allergic reaction—rose by 50%, with infants and toddlers making up the majority of cases.

Common culprits include nine food proteins: cow’s milk, soy, egg, wheat, peanut, tree nuts, sesame, fish, and seafood.

Among these, egg and peanut allergies are the most prevalent in infants and toddlers.

But there’s hope.

New research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) sheds light on a game-changing insight: introducing allergens like egg and peanuts early in a baby’s diet significantly reduces the risk of developing allergies to these foods.

This finding is monumental in shaping how parents approach infant feeding.

Instead of avoiding allergenic foods as was previously recommended, the research suggests that introducing these foods between four and 11 months of age could lower allergy risks.

While the studies do have some limitations, they offer a promising step toward curbing the allergy epidemic.

Why We Got It Wrong for Decades

For years, parents were told to steer clear of allergenic foods when feeding their infants.

The advice seemed logical: by avoiding peanuts, eggs, and other allergens, wouldn’t we prevent allergic reactions from developing?

This assumption shaped dietary guidelines beginning in the early 1990s.

Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers were advised to avoid allergenic foods, and parents were instructed to delay introducing foods like peanuts and eggs until much later in childhood.

However, this approach inadvertently backfired.

By 2008, researchers began to challenge the validity of those older studies.

One major flaw was revealed: families with a history of allergies were more likely to follow the avoidance guidelines strictly, skewing the results.

In reality, delaying the introduction of allergenic foods may have heightened the risk of food allergies rather than reducing it.

A new wave of studies flipped the narrative on its head.

Evidence began to emerge that introducing allergenic foods earlier—around six months of age—might actually protect infants from developing allergies.

This prompted a complete overhaul in feeding recommendations and ignited a deeper investigation into the root causes of food allergies.

The Science of Early Allergen Introduction

The latest findings in JAMA confirm what earlier studies had hinted at: early exposure to allergens may hold the key to allergy prevention.

Researchers analyzed multiple clinical trials and found moderate evidence linking early introduction of peanuts (between four to 11 months) and eggs (from four to six months) to a reduced risk of allergies to these foods.

Interestingly, the study found no association between early introduction of gluten (found in wheat) and an increased risk of celiac disease.

This suggests that while some allergens benefit from early exposure, others may not follow the same rule.

It’s important to note that while the evidence is promising, the authors of the study stress caution. Feeding trials are challenging to conduct.

In some cases, parents and researchers knew which foods were being introduced, introducing potential biases.

More research is needed to fine-tune the timing and methods of introducing allergenic foods.

Despite these limitations, the findings align with updated Australian infant feeding guidelines, which now recommend introducing allergenic foods like peanuts and eggs during a baby’s first year—ideally around six months, but not before four months.

Breaking the Cycle of Misinformation

The frequent changes in feeding guidelines over the past few decades have left many parents understandably confused.

One year, parents are advised to delay allergenic foods; the next, they’re told to introduce them early.

These shifting recommendations have led to hesitation, fear, and uncertainty about what’s best for their children.

To understand why the guidelines keep changing, we need to look at the evolving science.

Early studies failed to account for confounding variables, such as family history and genetic predispositions.

Newer studies have been more rigorous, considering factors like breastfeeding, diet diversity, and even environmental influences like pet exposure.

One of the most groundbreaking trials was the 2015 LEAP (Learning Early About Peanut) study, which demonstrated that high-risk infants who were exposed to peanuts early were 80% less likely to develop a peanut allergy than those who avoided peanuts entirely.

This evidence prompted a seismic shift in global feeding recommendations.

Australian guidelines were revised to emphasize the importance of exposing infants to allergenic foods early in life.

The emphasis is no longer on avoidance but on controlled, supervised introduction.

Why Some Children Still Develop Allergies

Even with early allergen introduction, not all food allergies can be prevented.

Genetics play a crucial role in allergy susceptibility, with a family history of allergies increasing the likelihood.

Environmental factors also contribute significantly, including:

Vitamin D levels: Insufficient exposure to sunlight has been linked to higher allergy risks.
Microbiome health: A diverse gut microbiome appears to protect against allergies.
Early-onset eczema: Infants with eczema are more prone to food allergies.
Urban living: Limited exposure to natural environments and pets may hinder immune system development.

Researchers are actively exploring these factors to better understand the allergy epidemic.

For now, experts agree that while some children will develop food allergies regardless of feeding practices, early introduction of allergens offers the best chance of reducing risk.

Practical Tips for Parents

For parents navigating the murky waters of infant feeding, here are some practical takeaways:

Start Solids Around Six Months: Introduce a variety of foods, including allergenic ones, when your baby shows readiness for solids.
Introduce Allergens Early and Often: Peanuts and eggs are the top priorities, but other allergenic foods like tree nuts, fish, and sesame can also be introduced in small, safe amounts.
Watch for Reactions: Introduce one allergenic food at a time and monitor for any adverse reactions. If your child has eczema or a family history of allergies, consult your pediatrician before introducing allergens.
Keep It Balanced: Diet diversity is crucial—not just for allergy prevention but for overall health.