A recent study suggests that pediatricians who utilize tools such as training videos to adhere to updated health guidelines may lead to a decrease in peanut allergies among children.
The study published on October 6, 2025, in the journal Pediatrics cited a 2015 finding from a clinical trial in the United Kingdom, which found that the early introduction of foods containing peanut into a child’s diet reduces the risk of developing a peanut allergy by 80%. By using strategies to educate pediatricians and parents about the most current findings, the development of peanut allergies could be reduced.
“This study looked at, ‘If we intervened in pediatric practices — video trainings, handouts to parents, education in the electronic medical record and reporting and also screenings for eczema — could we improve the counseling that they gave?’” said ABC News chief medical correspondent Dr. Tara Narula on “Good Morning America.”
One 2018 article in the journal Pediatrics stated that 8% of children in the United States face food allergies. Just over 2% of those afflicted have peanut allergies, a substantial increase from the 0.4% rate seen in the late 90s.
“It used to be in the past that if you were worried your kid might develop a peanut allergy, you actually didn’t give them peanuts at all until they were older,” Narula said. However, she notes that the landmark findings from the 2015 study altered our understanding, revealing that early exposure can actually be beneficial.
Despite the updated understanding of allergy development, Narula says that only around 20-30% of pediatricians actually promote guidance on early exposure.
Earlier this year, The Dallas Express reported that a man who previously avoided peanuts because of a life-threatening allergy now consumes them as part of a strategy designed to desensitize his body to the food. Despite having a history of hospitalizations resulting from peanut exposure, Richard Lassiter, 44, was seemingly able to overcome his deadly allergy through small and repeated exposure to the legume.
While advances in understanding peanut intolerance are promising, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to discuss any allergy mitigation strategies.