A recent study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice reveals that introducing peanut butter and eggs to infants around six months old can significantly reduce the risk of developing severe allergies to these foods.

Results demonstrated a significant decrease in allergy prevalence: egg allergy dropped from 12% to 3%, and peanut allergy from 6% to 1% among children following the new guidelines.

While early allergen introduction lowers allergy rates, it does not eliminate the risk entirely, as allergies were only assessed up to one year of age.

This research supports the updated Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) guidelines, which now recommend early introduction of allergens, contrasting with previous advice to delay until after one year.

Conducted by The Kids Research Institute Australia, the study involved 1,072 children and aligns with the revised 2016 guidelines aimed at allergy prevention.

The study compared two groups: children born from 2006 to 2014 with no specific feeding advice, and children born from 2016 to 2022 who were introduced to eggs and peanuts at six months, showing a marked reduction in allergies.

Experts emphasize the importance of increasing awareness and ensuring health professionals effectively distribute these updated guidelines to parents.

Researchers highlight that widespread dissemination of these guidelines is crucial for reducing food allergies community-wide, especially among parents uncertain about allergen introduction timing.

Many parents, particularly those with a family history of allergies, remain unsure about when to introduce potential allergens, underscoring the need for clear guidance.

The six-month introduction approach has now been incorporated into official guidelines, marking a significant shift in infant feeding practices.

Although cow's milk was also studied, the reduction in allergy rates was less pronounced compared to eggs and peanuts.

This new research challenges previous recommendations to delay allergen introduction until after one year, advocating for earlier exposure to prevent allergies.