Medical study shows early peanut introduction may prevent allergies in children

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — Medical advice about peanut allergies in children has dramatically shifted over the past decade, with doctors now recommending early introduction rather than avoidance.

A 2015 study shows that adding peanuts to a child's diet between 4 and 6 months of age can actually help prevent the development of peanut allergies. The research, known as the LEAP trial and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, found that early introduction decreases the likelihood of an allergy developing.

"Over the past decade or so, we've seen evidence that anaphylaxis — or food allergy in general is avoided if you give kids those foods earlier on, such as peanuts," said Dr. Bora Timkin, a pediatric hospitalist with Dignity Health at Bakersfield Memorial Hospital.

The finding