- Health advice
- Jan 18, 2017
Recent reports in the international media are calling attention to the result of the latest studies on Peanut Allergies.
Peanut Allergies Concern
Peanut allergies are a major concern in Australia with some allergic children suffering anaphylactic shock as a result of ingesting peanuts in any form! In the following report from BBC Journalist James Gallagher, the advice is 'Give peanut to babies early' to build their immunity…"Give peanut to babies early" - advice by James Gallagher, Health and science reporter, BBC News website, 5 January 2017
James Gallagher's report:
"Babies should be given peanut early - some at four months old - in order to reduce the risk of allergy, according to new US guidance. Studies have shown the risk of peanut allergy can be cut by more than 80% by early exposure. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases said the new guidance was "an important step forward". However, young children should not eat whole peanuts, because of the risk of choking.Increased Allergy Levels
Allergy levels are soaring in the US and have more than quadrupled since 2008. It is a pattern replicated across much of the Western world, as well as parts of Asia and Africa. Parents are often wary about introducing peanut, and in the past have been advised to wait until the child is three years old.The new guidance about Peanut Allergies
- Children with other allergies or severe eczema should start on peanut-containing foods at between four and six months old, with medical supervision
- Babies with mild eczema should have peanut-containing food at about six months old
- Those with no eczema or allergies can have peanut-containing food freely introduced