Peanut Allergy Research Signals Shifts in Prevention and Adult Treatment

New developments in peanut allergy research are offering hope for both prevention in children and treatment in adults. Here’s what to know:

Preventing Allergies with Early Food Introduction

Recent studies show that introducing peanuts early in infancy can significantly reduce the risk of developing peanut allergies. Guidelines now recommend introducing peanut-based foods from about four to six months of age under medical guidance. These preventive steps are credited with decreasing peanut allergy rates noticeably. 

Treatment Advances for Adults with Peanut Allergy

A clinical trial involving adults monitored a gradual daily intake of peanut flour. Around two-thirds of participants were able to tolerate the equivalent of several whole peanuts without a severe reaction. The findings suggest treatment may also be effective beyond childhood. 

What This Means for Families

For parents of infants, the message is early introduction of allergenic foods—under pediatric supervision—is becoming an effective prevention strategy. For adults already living with peanut allergy, new therapies and trials offer potential to reduce risk of accidental reactions and improve quality of life. But experts caution that treatments still require medical supervision and are not yet broadly available.

Bottom Line

Peanut allergy remains serious, but both prevention in infancy and treatment in adulthood are moving forward with promising data. Healthcare professionals say keeping informed, asking about guideline-based feeding practices for infants, and consulting specialists for adult allergy treatment options are key steps.