Most allergists practicing for more than a decade have observed that the age of presentation of peanut allergy in infants is getting earlier and earlier. A recent article published in PEDIATRICS has proven that this is the case.

In 1995, the median ages of first peanut reaction was 24 months. Of those infants born after July, 2000 presenting to a major university allergy department, the median age of first peanut reaction was 14 months! The decline in the age of first peanut reaction seems to be attributable to earlier exposure. It is interesting to note that this study found that most patients (68%) who were peanut allergic demonstrated sensitization or clinical allergy to other foods (53% to eggs, 26% to cow's milk, 20% to tree nuts, 11% to fish, 9% to shellfish, 7% to soy, 6% to wheat, and 6% to sesame seeds).

Peanut allergy represents one of the most potentially serious allergies in childhood. Do not introduce peanuts prior to three years of age. And, consult an allergist if you suspect a peanut allergy in your child.

 

PEDIATRICS Vol. 120 No. 6 December 2007, pp. 1304-1310 (doi:10.1542/peds.2007-0350)