This new finding contradicts age old advice not to feed infants peanut butter, or other peanut products. The study found that nearly 2 percent of American children have a peanut allergy. This may seem like a small amount; however, it is 4 times higher than what was recorded in the year 1997.
This study found that a child’s early exposure to peanut products decreases the chance of them developing a peanut allergy. Experts recommend children be exposed to peanut products prior to 11 months of age. This reportedly results in a lower risk of developing a peanut allergy as an adult.
The reason it is so important to prevent developing a peanut allergy is because of the severity of the resulting allergic reaction stated the article. Anaphylaxic shock is often the outcome of a severe reaction to food allergies. It can be fatal. Someone with a peanut allergy has to constantly read food labels to ensure their food does not contain any trace of peanuts.