Did you hear the news?

By: Dr. Andrew Singer, FACET Medical Advisor

Did you hear the news? 
The news about the great New England Journal study discussed at the AAAAI 2015 meeting that indicates they can reduce risk of peanut allergy?

I think this is a great study and verifies what some of us have thought based on other data. The idea is that early introduction reduces risk of allergy and is contrary to the teaching and guidance many have given or received (this is not to belittle that information - at the time it was thought to be the right thing to do). 

There are some critical pieces to understand about this research. They looked at infants in the high risk for peanut allergy category based on family history, infant onset eczema and egg allergy. They skin tested the infants to peanut first. If they were negative then peanut protein was added to the diet. If they were positive, they were challenged to peanut in a MEDICAL setting. 

Please don't try this at home!
This study was to look at primary prevention of food allergy: Can we prevent it before it starts
... not how to treat it if it is already there. 

Very encouraging, and a paradigm shift for sure! 
And, something to discuss with your allergists especially if you have or plan to have other children.

What are your thoughts on this study?