What are the benefits of early peanut introduction in infants?

Early peanut introduction in infants has an 80% relative risk reduction in developing a peanut allergy in high-risk infants (Du Toit et al., 2015). Another study showed that early peanut introduction to all infants does no harm. It might even provide benefit to babies without high-risk factors (Perkin et al., 2016).

When should I talk with families about introducing peanuts?

You can start talking about peanut introduction with families when infants are 4 months of age or ready to try solid foods.

What is MGHfC's approach to the new guideline?

A condensed and modified version of the guidelines are below, organized by risk level. Read the full guidelines here.

High-risk infants

  • Severe eczema, egg allergy or both
  • Children with other known IgE-mediated food allergies
    1. Refer your patient to a pediatric allergist for evaluation, possible skin testing and allergy evaluation

- OR -

  1. Send a blood sample for only peanut-specific IgE with reflex components.
  • If the test is positive, order a STAT referral to a pediatric allergist.
  • If the above testing is negative, advise the family to introduce peanut when the infant is 4-6 months of age or ready to try solid food. provide the family with “Introducing Peanut Products to Your Baby,” a handout from the MGHfC Food Allergy Center.

Moderate-risk infants

  • Mild to moderate eczema
  • Other individual or sibling food allergy
  1. Introduce peanuts at home, starting at 6 months of age. Follow the family’s preferences and cultural practices.
  2. Refer the family to an allergist if needed.
  3. Appointments should be scheduled within 3 months of the referral.

Low-risk infants

  • No eczema
  • No individual or sibling food allergy
  1. Provide your patient’s family with “Introducing Peanut Products to Your Baby,” a handout from the MGHfC Food Allergy Center.

Contact the Food Allergy Prevention Program at MGHfC

We are proud to introduce the Food Allergy Prevention Program at MGHfC! Our focus is on the safe and practical implementation of the new feeding guidelines and management of all infant food allergy. Prompt access for infant-specific consults and oral challenges are our priority.

Boston

MGH Professional Office Building, Suite 530
Boston, MA 02114

Newton

MassGeneral for Children at Newton-Wellesley Hospital (NWH)

2014 Washington St.
Newton, MA 02462

To schedule an appointment at the Boston or NWH location, call 617-634-6834.

To refer a patient, call 888-644-3211 or use the online referral form here.

Read the full LEAP guidelines here.

LEAP guidelines

Togias, A et al. (February 2017) Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Retrieved from http://www.annallergy.org/article/S1081- 1206(16)31164-4/abstract.

Rev. 10/2017. This webpage is intended to provide health related information so that you may be better informed. It is not a substitute for a doctor's medical advice and should not be relied upon for treatment for specific medical conditions.