Supervised Feeding for Peanut Allergy

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Age: < 18

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Boston Children's Hospital

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?Peanut allergies affect approximately 2.5% of children; are associated with significant mortality, morbidity, and economic costs; and often lead to persistent peanut allergies in adulthood. We now know however that early introduction of peanut products to infants prior to age 7 months and maintained in the diet regularly significantly reduces the rate of peanut allergies. Unfortunately, recent research shows that even when parents know the recommendations to feed peanut products early and often, \<50% of parents report introducing peanuts by age 9 months, \<45% are offering peanut products several times a week, and \<20% are offering the recommended 2 teaspoons at each feeding. Many parents cite a fear of reactions or a lack of knowledge on how to safely feed peanut products at this age. While there are recommendations to offer the first feeding in clinic this has not been widely implemented in general pediatrics clinics and we have no research to say this is an effective way to increase peanut consumption at home. This research is being conducted to assess the effectiveness of a supervised peanut feeding clinic in a pediatric office to increase rate of guideline recommended peanut consumption in infants by 9 months of age.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for infants who have not yet reached 7 months of age, aiming to prevent peanut allergies by introducing peanut products early. Parents must be willing to follow the feeding intervention and guidelines provided. Infants with known severe food allergies or conditions that could interfere with the study are likely excluded.

Inclusion Criteria

My baby is 4-6 months old, eats orally, hasn't tried peanuts, and shows no signs of peanut allergy.

Exclusion Criteria

Evidence of peanut allergy.

Non-English speaking

Not eating solid food

Participant Groups

The study tests whether a supervised feeding clinic can help increase the rate at which infants consume peanuts as recommended by guidelines. It compares results from parents following a structured handout versus those participating in a supervised clinical intervention.

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: InterventionExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Families will receive guidance about early peanut introduction via handout as well as a supervised feeding visit.

Group II: ControlActive Control1 Intervention

Families will receive guidance about early peanut introduction via a handout.