Cracking the peanut: The latest on prevention and treatment of peanut allergy

Hemant Sharma, M.D., discusses recent advances that underscore the importance of early introduction of peanuts during infancy as a prevention strategy for allergies.

The prevalence of food allergy has increased in recent decades, now affecting 1 in 13 children in the United States. Peanut allergy has tripled in prevalence and is the most common cause of fatal food-allergic reactions. Recent advances have underscored the importance of early introduction of peanut during infancy as a prevention strategy. Clinical trials of potential immunomodulatory treatments also show promising results.