Previously, the United Kingdom and United States clinical practice guidelines advised against the exposure of allergenic foods (e.g., peanuts, eggs, and cow's milk) during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and infancy. In 2008, after studies reported insufficient evidence to suggest that delaying the introduction of allergenic foods prevented food allergies, the recommendations for the avoidance of allergens were withdrawn. Peanut allergy continued as a growing health problem and the leading cause of death related to food-induced anaphylaxis. Consequently, researchers took to finding preventative strategies for food allergies. In 2015, the Learning Early About Peanut (LEAP) Study transformed the recommendations for introducing peanut foods to children at high risk for food allergies. This study showed that in high-risk infants (infants with severe eczema and/or egg allergy), the regular consumption of peanut within the first 11 months of life was highly effective in preventing the development of peanut allergy. Since then, leading research has continued to show that early introduction to allergenic foods like peanut and egg may prevent a child from developing an allergy to that food. 

Current guidelines recommend that for all infants, including those with severe eczema and existing food allergy, peanut and egg foods should be introduced between 4 to 6 months old. Read more about early food introduction to prevent food allergies by visiting the links below:

⦁ ASCIA Allergy Prevention
⦁ BSACI Early Feeding Guidance
⦁ NIAID-Sponsored Peanut Allergy Prevention Guidelines

Early dietary consumption of peanut and egg foods have proven to reduce the development of an allergy to that food later in life. Some studies suggest introducing cow's milk and wheat within the first 12 months of life has the same effect; however, it is not yet supported by clinical trials.

Our early food introduction service is most beneficial for infants at a higher risk of developing a food allergy. This includes infants with eczema and/or existing food allergy. It is appropriate for infants under the age of one who have not yet had a reaction to the food of concern. We evaluate the patient and review the risks and benefits with our patients' families to determine whether an individual would be considered a candidate for early food introduction.