In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. David Hill discuss the rise of peanut allergies in children. David explains that anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, is common in children, often triggered by food. He emphasizes the importance of early allergen introduction to prevent allergies. The LEAP study from 2015 showed that introducing peanuts before six months reduces the risk of peanut allergy. They also discuss other common allergies and the fact that many children outgrow milk and egg allergies by age four.

Key Takeaways:

• The major allergens are milk, egg, soy, wheat, peanut, tree nut, fish, shellfish, and sesame, which are among the most common foods around the world. Thus we must do everything we can to prevent food allergy in the first place.

• The part of the immune system that causes allergic reactions, was originally evolved to fight parasites.

• There is still a lot to learn about what causes allergies. Multiple people are working on it now, and we will likely see, in the coming years, new risk factors emerging.

"In the first year, specifically somewhere between four to six months of age (once the child is able to handle a solid food in their mouth and swallow appropriately), at that point, we should start to introduce the major allergens." — Dr. David Hill

Connect with Dr. David Hill:

Professional Bio: https://www.chop.edu/doctors/hill-david-a

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-a-hill-md-phd-aab8744

Connect with Therese:

Website: www.criticallyspeaking.net

Bluesky: @CriticallySpeaking.bsky.social

Instagram: @criticallyspeakingpodcast

Email: [email protected]

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