T07035: The prevalence of peanut allergy in British children at school entry age in 2003
Tuesday 2 March 2004
This project is evaluating the impact of the Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT) report, that recommends atopic mothers avoid peanuts during pregnancy and breastfeeding, on the prevalence of peanut allergy.
Background
The UK prevalence of sensitisation to peanut was found to be 1.3% in a single-centre birth cohort born in 1989-90. In a later cohort, born in 1995, the prevalence had more than doubled, as reported by the same centre. The 1998 COT report advised pregnant mothers and infants from atopic families to avoid peanuts. It is not known what effect this advice has had on the dietary habits of atopic and non-atopic mothers, or if its intended effect on the prevalence of peanut sensitisation in their offspring has been realised.
Research Approach
The study will investigate approximately 2000 UK children born between March 1999 (9 months after the COT report) and March 2000. Children will be evaluated for peanut allergy and sensitisation to other potential allergens and their mothers will be asked about their own peanut consumption during pregnancy and breastfeeding.