Early Food Introduction & Food Allergies: What We’re Learning (2025 Update)

Описание: Over the last 25 years, doctors and scientists have changed how they think about food allergies in babies. In the past, many families waited to introduce foods like peanuts, eggs, or dairy. Today, research shows that giving babies small amounts of these foods early may help their bodies learn to tolerate them, which could lower the risk of allergies later on.
A recent study looked at young children (from birth to age 3) during three different time periods:
Before early food introduction was recommended
After general early introduction was recommended
After peanut-specific guidance was put in place
What Did the Study Find?
Over time, doctors saw fewer cases of peanut allergies and fewer cases of food allergies in general in this age group.
For example:
Peanut allergies dropped from 0.79% to 0.45%
All IgE food allergies dropped from 1.46% to 0.93%
This lines up with other research showing that early exposure can help prevent allergies.
A Quick Note of Caution
While these results are encouraging, we can’t say for sure that the new feeding advice caused the drop. There were limits in the study, and not all families follow early introduction guidance yet. Still, these trends point in a hopeful direction.
What Does This Mean for Families?
Early introduction — when done safely — may help reduce food allergy risk. Always talk with your child’s pediatrician or allergy specialist, especially if your baby has eczema or known allergies.
What Does This Mean for Providers?
Supporting families in early allergen exposure, guiding safe introduction, and addressing anxiety around food allergies may help promote oral tolerance and reduce long-term allergy risk.
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