Food allergies and intolerance – Peanut allergy
Trying not to go nutty?
Around 3% of children have a peanut allergy test (only 1/3 of these will show a reaction after eating peanuts). However, the rates differ from country to country and unfortunately Australia has a relatively high rate of peanut allergy.
In most cases, reactions to peanuts are relatively mild – for example hives, tummy upsets, nausea and sometimes vomiting. However, as we have all seen recently in the media, reactions can be severe leading to difficulty breathing, collapse, loss of consciousness, and if untreated, death.
The following is a list of foods that should be avoided or foods with risky ingredients:
- Peanuts, ground nuts, beer nuts, monkey nuts
- Peanut oil – cold-pressed, expressed, or expelled (note: Arachis oil is peanut oil).
Highly refined peanut oil is unlikely to cause a reaction in those with a peanut allergy. - All peanut products e.g. peanut butter
- Crushed / ground peanut – in sauces or coating on food (cakes, buns, ice-cream), satay sauce, peanut sauce
Sourced verbatim from: www.allergy.org.au
About 80% of children under five with a peanut allergy will continue to experience symptoms into later childhood (those with severe reactions are the ones who are less likely to overcome it). Some lucky 20% grow out of their allergy.
This information has been provided by Leanne Cooper from Sneakys baby and child nutrition. Leanne is a qualified nutritionist and mother of two very active boys.
For more information see Baby Allergy or Baby Care
Loading tip submission...
Loading tips list...
Top problem areas
Interests 0 Huggies members
Toddlers and preschoolers often request fad foods, turn up their noses at any food with a hint of...
Interests 0 Huggies members
Most of us know the many health benefits of eating yoghurt (including the friendly bacteria and...
Interests 0 Huggies members
Being the common start to the day, breakfast cereals are an important part of a healthy diet. In...