Early peanut introduction: To test or not to test?

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To review recent evidence and international guidelines on early peanut introduction for preventing peanut allergy and provide an update on the status of the debate around testing before early peanut introduction. DATA SOURCES Review of published literature documenting infant feeding guidelines; impact of early peanut introduction on peanut allergy; risk factors for peanut allergy; and impact of early peanut introduction guidelines on infant feeding practices and allergy. STUDY SELECTION We used a narrative approach and present both pro and con arguments for testing before peanut introduction. Data from randomized controlled trials and post-hoc analyses of these trials and observational studies were included. RESULTS: Allergy prevention guidelines around the world now consistently recommend introducing peanut into an infant's diet before 12 months of age for countries with high peanut allergy prevalence. In the US, guidelines recently shifted away from recommending allergy testing before introduction for those at risk of peanut allergy. There is evidence primarily from Australia that recommending early introduction without prior testing is safe and effective in increasing early peanut introduction for both high and low-risk infants, although the subsequent reduction in peanut allergy prevalence at the population level was less than expected. CONCLUSION: Current evidence supports recommending early peanut introduction without routinely testing for peanut allergy. If testing is offered, this should be based on shared decision making between families and practitioners and only be undertaken where there is provision for rapid access to definitive diagnosis including oral food challenges.