Study shows many peanut allergic infants can eat nuts
Australian researchers discovered that more than one third of babies diagnosed with peanut allergy can consume nuts safely.
A new investigation led by the Murdoch Children's Research Institute examined infants across ten public hospitals in Australia. The team found that 35% of children with positive tests did not react during food challenges.
NACE Director Kirsten Perrett stated that relying solely on clinical history and skin or blood tests often fails. She emphasized that a supervised oral food challenge is needed to confirm a peanut allergy diagnosis before treatment.
The research covered 1,275 infants under 18 months of age located in hospitals across Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia. Professor Lyle Gurrin said many parents believe their children are allergic when they are probably not allergic to the food.
One family shared how their infant son Arthur initially showed redness and hives after trying peanuts for the first time. His parents described this discovery as a huge relief that allowed them to move forward without managing a suspected allergy daily.
“It's a huge relief knowing Arthur can tolerate peanut and we can move forward without the uncertainty of managing a suspected allergy”