The 2020-2025 edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans was recently released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). We are very encouraged to see the inclusion of more comprehensive dietary guidance around the early introduction of egg and peanut for infants and toddlers.
Introducing peanut-containing foods in the first year reduces the risk of later developing an allergy to peanuts. However, high-risk infants, those with severe eczema and/or egg allergy, should consult an allergist before instituting peanut protein. Learn more about introducing peanut-containing foods to infants.
If an infant has severe eczema, egg allergy, or both (conditions that increase the risk of peanut allergy), age-appropriate, peanut-containing foods should be introduced into the diet as early as age 4 to 6 months. This will reduce the risk of developing peanut allergy. Caregivers should check with the infant’s healthcare provider before feeding the infant peanut-containing foods. A blood test or skin prick may be recommended to determine whether peanut should be introduced to the infant, and, if so, the safest way to introduce it.
You can read the statement from FARE as well as the updated dietary guidelines below. If you have any questions about managing food allergies or introducing a new food to an infant or toddler, please contact us or schedule an appointment.
Read FARE’s Statement Regarding the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines.