Peanut Allergy in Childhood

UK researchers have found that the use of soya milk in children appears to be associated with an increased risk of peanut allergy. 13,791 pre-school children were assessed to identify children with a convincing history of peanut allergy and a sub-group that would react to a double blind peanut challenge. Forty-nine children with a history of peanut allergy were identified. The researchers found that peanut allergy was independently associated with intake of soya milk or soya formula. They also found an independent association between peanut allergy and skin conditions such as rash over joints and skin creases and between peanut allergy and skin preparations containing peanut oil. They did not find any evidence of prenatal sensitization from the maternal diet.

See N Engl J Med 2003;348:977-85