New research shows that changing infant feeding guidelines has led to sharp reductions in peanut allergies among young children. The 2015 LEAP (Learning Early About Peanut Allergy) trial demonstrated that introducing peanut products between 4-6 months of age in high-risk infants cut allergy rates by more than 80%, a discovery that prompted updated recommendations. A recent analysis of health records found that peanut allergies in children aged 0-3 have dropped by more than 40% since the new guidelines took hold.
The shift moves away from earlier advice to delay peanut introduction until age 3 — which is now understood to have inadvertently increased risk. Experts emphasise that parents of infants should consult with paediatricians about safe introduction of allergenic foods.
This represents more than just updated advice; it’s a public-health win where evidence has changed practice, and children are benefitting. That’s what’s right with the world.