Study Reveals Disparities in Early Introduction of Peanuts to Infants

Thu 10th Jul, 2025

Introducing peanut-based foods to infants can significantly reduce the risk of developing peanut allergies later in life. However, a recent study highlights that parents from lower-income or minority backgrounds are often not receiving the necessary guidance regarding this beneficial practice.

Conducted by researchers from Northwestern Medicine, the study surveyed over 3,000 parents across the United States with children aged 7 to 42 months. The findings reveal a stark contrast in peanut introduction rates among different racial and socioeconomic groups. While 51% of white parents reported introducing peanut foods to their children by age one, only 42% of Black parents, 36% of Hispanic parents, and 35% of Asian American parents did the same.

The study also found that less than half of Black and Hispanic parents received advice from their pediatricians regarding the timing and method of introducing peanuts. In comparison, nearly two-thirds of white parents reported having such discussions with their healthcare providers. Alarmingly, only 29% of Black parents believed that introducing peanuts before their child turns one could help prevent allergies, while 53% of white parents held this belief.

These findings are particularly concerning given that children from low-income and minority families are already at a greater risk of food allergies and often experience more severe allergic reactions. The lead researcher emphasized the need for equitable healthcare access, noting that families from these backgrounds frequently do not receive timely and accurate recommendations regarding peanut introduction.

The current guidelines, established in 2017, recommend that parents introduce peanut foods to infants between the ages of 4 to 6 months. This recommendation stems from research indicating that early exposure can reduce the risk of developing peanut allergies by more than 80%. Prior to this shift, parents were often advised to delay introducing peanuts due to concerns about triggering allergic reactions.

Peanut allergies are increasingly common, affecting approximately 2% of children in the U.S. Evidence suggests that introducing peanut products early, particularly for infants with risk factors such as eczema or existing egg allergies, can mitigate the likelihood of developing this life-threatening condition.

To address the gap in information and resources regarding early peanut introduction, healthcare providers must be better equipped to assist families, especially in underserved communities. The study's authors recommend that both parents and pediatricians receive high-quality, easily understandable guidance during well-child visits, which are often brief and packed with various topics.

Implementing culturally and linguistically appropriate educational materials can increase parents' confidence in safely introducing peanuts at home. Furthermore, policy changes, like including peanut products in Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) food packages, could enhance access for low-income families. With approximately 40% of infants in the U.S. covered by Medicaid, state programs could play a crucial role in expanding education and outreach on this matter.

Overall, the study underscores the urgent need for improved communication and resource distribution among healthcare providers to ensure all families receive the necessary support to reduce the risk of peanut allergies in their children.


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