Peanut allergy prevention: doctors advise exposure before 1 year old

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Peanut allergy are very common allergies, but can cause a very dangerous and even fatal allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis, states FARE. Fortunately, researchers from Britain may have found a way to prevent peanut allergies in babies who are believed to grow up with the allergy.

According to Youth Health Magazine, the British scientists observed and studied more than 600 babies, ranging from four months of age to 11 months, for the research.

All the babies who participated in the study show signs of developing a peanut allergy in the future. The Guardian explains that the risk of developing a peanut allergy can be seen in infants when they have bad skin reactions to eggs or a severe eczema skin rash.

For the study, the researchers split the young participants into two groups. In the first group, parents or guardians were advised to avoid feeding peanuts or foods that may contain peanut allergens to their babies.

Meanwhile, the second group of babies was allowed to consume small amounts of peanut protein or peanut butter every week. SF Gate clarifies that the following food were considered baby-suitable in the study: smooth peanut butter, peanut soup, and grounded peanuts mixed in other soft foods.

After five years, the study's data revealed that 81 percent of the babies exposed to peanut products had built up a tolerance to peanuts, compared to those in the other group.

Due to the findings of the British-based study, The American Academy of Pediatrics are not recommending that infants under one year-old, who are at high risk of developing a peanut allergy, be exposed to peanut food products.

The AAP, along with the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, and some foreign allergy groups have worked together to write and endorse a consensus statement, supporting the findings of the study.

According to SF Gate, the statement will be released online, in the medical journal "Pediatrics," this Monday, Aug. 31 The statement only outlines some temporary guidelines on how to prevent a peanut allergy in children.

A more extensive set of guidelines will be released later on, by the National Institute of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, and the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

The British study could not have come at a better time as peanut allergies have become prevalent in children recently, reports FARE. According to the site, allergy to peanuts has grown three-fold between 1997 and 2008 in children from the United States.

Other studies have revealed that peanut allergies are also rising in the United Kingdom and Canada.