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Prevalence of tree nut allergy and exposure to tree nuts in children aged 1-12 years: An observational cohort study
M Fleuren-Janssen1, B Penders2, I Herpertz1
1Department of Pediatrics, VieCuri Medical Center, Venlo, the Netherlands.
Insights
Tree nut allergies are common, affecting 5.9% of children, with walnut, hazelnut, and cashew most frequent. Early introduction of tree nuts is limited, highlighting a need for better prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Allergy
- Nutritional Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Understanding regional tree nut allergy prevalence and consumption patterns is crucial for effective prevention strategies.
- Current guidelines recommend early introduction of allergenic foods before 12 months, but data on tree nut introduction and consumption remain scarce.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of parent-reported tree nut allergies in children aged 1-12 years.
- To analyze tree nut consumption patterns, including the age of first exposure, in the Limburg region of the Netherlands.
Main Methods:
- An observational cohort study was conducted.
- A digital questionnaire was administered to parents of 1867 children aged 1-12 years.
- The questionnaire assessed parent-reported tree nut allergy and consumption habits.
Main Results:
- 5.9% of children had reported tree nut allergies, with walnut, hazelnut, and cashew being the most common.
- Tree nut consumption was infrequent, with only 24.2% of children introduced to tree nuts within their first year of life.
- Perceived health benefits and allergy prevention were key drivers for consumption, while taste, choking risk, and availability were barriers.
Conclusions:
- Parent-reported tree nut allergy is prevalent, contrasting with limited consumption and delayed introduction beyond 12 months.
- Targeted prevention strategies are needed for common tree nut allergies (hazelnut, walnut, cashew).
- Clear guidance for parents and healthcare providers on the safe, early introduction of tree nuts is essential.
Introduction:
Prevention of tree nut allergies requires understanding of regional prevalence, typical consumption patterns, and age of initial tree nut introduction. Despite guidelines advocating early introduction of allergenic foods (<12 months), data about early introduction and consumption patterns of tree nuts remains limited.
Aim:
To assess parent-reported prevalence of tree nut allergy and analyze tree nut consumption patterns, including age of first exposure: METHODS: An observational cohort study was conducted in the region of Limburg, in the Netherlands. Parents of children aged 1-12 years were invited to complete a digital questionnaire assessing parent-reported tree nut allergy and tree nut consumption patterns.
Results:
Among 1867 respondents, 111 (5.9%) reported one or more tree nut allergies. The most reported are walnut (3.8%), hazelnut (3.3%), and cashew (3.2%). Most children had some exposure to tree nuts, but the frequency of consumption remains low. Only 24.2% report initial introduction of tree nuts in the first year of life, but this increased in younger children compared to older children in our cohort. Main reasons for tree nut consumption include perceived health benefits and allergy prevention; barriers include taste preferences, choking risk, known allergies, and product availability.
Conclusion:
Parent-reported tree nut allergy is relatively common, while tree nut consumption is limited and is often initially introduced after the age of 12 months. These findings highlight the need for targeted prevention strategies, particularly focused at hazelnut, walnut, and cashew, including clear guidance for parents and healthcare providers on safe early introduction of tree nuts.
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