Consensus Communication on Early Introduction of Peanut for Children at Risk

Expert organizations have come together to provide a consensus opinion on the LEAP (Learning Early about Peanut) Study released in February. This trial demonstrated a successful 11% - 25% absolute reduction in the risk of developing peanut allergy in high-risk infants (and a relative risk reduction of up to 80%) if peanut was introduced between 4 and 11 months of age.

In light of the significance of these findings, these organizations wanted to provide a document that will better inform the decision-making process for healthcare providers regarding such potential benefits of early peanut introduction.

This consensus opinion is provided on behalf of American Academy of Asthma Allergy and Immunology, American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Canadian Society of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, the Israel Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, the Japanese Society for Allergology and the World Allergy Organization.

These national and international groups also stress that anyone who suspects a food allergy should be evaluated by a board certified allergist. Allergists keep up with the latest research and developments and are the proper specialists to manage a patient with food allergy.

Read the full consensus statement.