What Is The LEAP Study?

The LEAP study was a randomized controlled study of 1,000 babies that proved feeding babies peanuts early and often could reduce the risk of peanut allergy.

In the world of pediatrics and food allergies, the LEAP Study is the biggest thing since sliced bread. 

Learning Early About Peanut (LEAP) 

The LEAP study was finished in 2015 and effectively proved that feeding babies peanuts early and often -- called early introduction -- could prevent 80% of peanut allergies in children at high risk.

The LEAP study was so well done and convincing in its results that the American Academy of Pediatrics and Pediatric societies worldwide updated their food allergy advice to tell parents to start feeding babies peanuts as early as 4 months old. 

How Did The LEAP Study “Prove” That Early Introduction Works?

The LEAP study studied 1,000 babies with severe eczema and/or egg allergy, because doctors knew those kids had a 30% chance of developing a peanut allergy. 

Each baby was tested to see if they already had a peanut allergy. For those without existing allergies,half the babies were fed six grams of peanut protein per week.” The other half of the babies were told to “avoid peanuts.”

The babies were followed until they were 5 years old to see who developed peanut allergies. 

Babies who regularly ate peanuts did not develop peanut allergy, and eating peanuts regularly decreased their risk of a peanut allergy by 80%.

It doesn’t matter if your baby is high risk because they have eczema or an egg allergy, or if they are low risk, the message is still the same -- early and consistent exposure to allergens dramatically reduces the risk of an allergy developing.

How exactly do you keep up this rigorous exposure, especially with early eaters? Read our Food Allergy Guide for full instructions on how to safely introduce peanuts (and other allergens) to your baby’s diet and get the most out of early peanut introduction.

Or jump right in with our Infant Peanut Powder Mixin. 

If you want to read more, you can read the original study in our Parent Resource Center, along with a whole bunch of other useful items.