Jan 15, 2026
Food allergies, specifically peanut allergies have been increasing in children. But key research changed policy and the past 10 years have seen a steady decline. In a rare win for the goodies, we see how science shaped public policy and made things better for a whole generation of children.
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Editor: Robyn Flynn
Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl
Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos
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Obviously, Chris is not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information.
References:
Chris article on peanut and food allergies: https://montrealgazette.com/opinion/columnists/labos-food-allergies-a-hard-nut-to-crack-but-theres-some-good-news
The old recommendations: https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article-abstract/106/2/346/62820/Hypoallergenic-Infant-Formulas?redirectedFrom=fulltext
The new recommendations: https://www.cps.ca/en/documents/position/allergenic-solids#ref2
Increasing food allergies: http://www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(10)00575-0/abstract
The LEAP study: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1414850
The effect the LEAP study had on allergy rates in children” https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/156/5/e2024070516/204636/Guidelines-for-Early-Food-Introduction-and?autologincheck=redirected
Skin contact as a risk factor for peanut allergies: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa013536
Oral Immunotherapy for peanut allergies: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1812856
Met-analysis of immunotherapy for peanut allergies: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31030987/