Allergies

More than 99 percent of Americans enjoy peanuts without any issue. But food allergy reactions can be unpredictable and must be taken seriously. America’s peanut farmers are mothers and fathers, grandmothers and grandfathers who know how it feels to want to protect the ones they love. Get the latest news and information about peanut allergies here. 

Top Food Allergy Studies of 2021

As with most years, 2021 was a very full year of food allergy research and news. Building upon previous years of study, researchers continue to make strides in understanding why and how food allergies happen, how they could be prevented, and ways to reverse them. In this article, we look at some of the top stories for 2021 in the areas of prevention, management, and treatment for food allergies.

New Course Helps Providers Champion Allergy Prevention

Peanut Allergy Prevention through Early Introduction – a new online Pedialink CE course from the American Academy of Pediatrics – is available free to healthcare providers who work with young infants.

New Resource for Managing Peanut Ingredients in Food Processing Facilities

Controlling food allergens in processing environments can be a challenging but not impossible task. Brands and manufacturers from small to large often have questions or concerns about managing allergens, specifically peanut, in their facilities. The National Peanut Board has partnered with the renowned Food Allergy Research and Resource Program (FARRP) to create “Controlling Peanut Ingredients in Food Processing Facilities,” a free, downloadable roadmap for processors to develop and implement allergen control plans, with a specific focus on controlling peanut ingredients. 

Peanut Allergy in U.S. Adults: On the rise?

In February, a new study was published showing a significant rise in the numbers of adults with peanut allergy in the U.S.

Baby-Led Weaning & Early Introduction of Top Allergens

The way we feed babies has changed dramatically over the past twenty years or so. While not a new approach to the introduction of solid foods, “baby-led weaning” (BLW) has become more mainstream and understood as a beneficial and viable option with evidence-based short- and long-term benefits. Scientific evidence supporting the early introduction of top allergenic foods during infancy for the prevention of food allergies has also grown. In fact, the new 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend offering top allergens (egg, peanut, tree nut, cow’s milk, fish, shellfish, soy, and wheat) early and often starting at about 6 months of age when babies are showing signs of readiness for complementary foods (in conversation with the pediatrician if babies are at high risk for food allergies).[vii] The good news is that BLW is incredibly compatible with the early introduction of top allergens and can ease the process of offering these foods during infancy.

5 Important Takeaways for Pregnancy and Babies in the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans

It’s an exciting time in the world of nutrition! USDA has released the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, our national nutrition guidance document that comes out just once every five years. (U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2020)

Free Webinar for Health Professional Credit

Food allergies have become a public health concern, with up to 10.8% of adults and 6-8% of children believed to be food allergic. Health professionals—from family doctors and physician assistants to nurse practitioners and registered dietitians—have an important role to play in reducing the risk of developing food allergies in the next generation.

Parents Have the Power to Help in the Prevention of Peanut Allergy

Food allergies occur in approximately 8% of kids, with peanut allergies reported in 2.2% of US children.  Because peanut allergy is outgrown less frequently than other allergies like milk and egg, it has become an increasing public health concern, as well as a source of anxiety and common topic of conversation amongst parents.  Surely you may already have felt the “peanut panic” amongst some of your fellow parents, in the media, and even within your own families.

Taking Aim at Peanut Allergy Prevention, Mission MightyMe Launches New Infant Food

Mission MightyMe co-founders J.J. and Catherine Jaxon are on a mission to help raise up a generation of kids that are free from the burden of food allergies. And they’re doing it with the launch of a peanut puff that makes it easy and “normal” to feed peanuts and other allergenic foods to infants.

Peanut Allergies: From Poster Child to Practical Progress

Some people may say that peanuts are the “poster child” for food allergies. While less than 1% of Americans (including less than 2% of children) have a peanut allergy, the average American thinks 24% of people do. When you search the phrase “food allergies” online, peanuts are the focus of the majority of results. In the media and in discussions of food allergies in public places like restaurants, schools and airplanes, peanuts are commonly the focus. But is being the poster child always a negative?

         

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