Dr. David Hill, the study's lead author, believes the reversal in medical guidance is a major factor. For years, the advice was to avoid peanut products for young children. Recent research suggests that was exactly the wrong approach. Introducing peanut products to infants between 4 and 6 months old can significantly reduce the risk of a peanut allergy.
Hill said that in all likelihood, tens of thousands of kids today don't have a food allergy who might have without the early introduction recommendations.
The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends early introduction of peanut products for all infants with no history of prior reaction, as long as they already eat other solid foods. Pediatricians say to start small and feed peanut foods at least twice a week through the first year and beyond. Never give infants whole peanuts. They pose a significant choking risk.
Families already facing the allergy have another path. Kristie Herring said her son Parker's severe peanut allergy was a "total surprise" given their family history. Oral immunotherapy, which slowly increases doses of peanut protein, has let Parker eat peanut butter again, though experts warn it carries risks. Specialists recommend talking with an allergist about treatment options.