Australia grapples with one of the highest rates of childhood food allergies worldwide, affecting 40 percent of primary-aged children. However, researchers in Melbourne have unveiled a breakthrough in predicting which children may overcome their peanut allergy.
Three-year-old Emilia is part of this growing cohort of allergy sufferers, diagnosed not only with a peanut allergy but also with allergies to cow’s milk, eggs, cashews, and pistachios. Emilia’s mother, Vivienne Lai, expressed the shock of discovering her daughter’s allergies, recounting episodes of hives and facial swelling during allergic reactions. Despite vigilant efforts to avoid allergens, Emilia still experiences occasional reactions.
Researchers at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) have found that while two-thirds of children with a peanut allergy remain allergic by the age of 10, those who naturally outgrow their allergy often do so by age six. The study, involving 156 infants in Melbourne with challenge-confirmed peanut allergies, tracked their progress through questionnaires, skin prick tests, blood tests, and oral food challenges at ages four, six, and 10.
Associate Professor Rachel Peters of MCRI emphasized the significance of prevention and treatment strategies in light of their findings. She highlighted the importance of understanding allergy prevalence across school years for informing healthcare resource allocation and improving planning in schools and the workforce.
Emilia’s mother, Lai, welcomed the research as a “significant development” for many families, providing much-needed certainty for the future. She acknowledged that even if Emilia doesn’t outgrow her peanut allergy, the study offers a roadmap for managing her condition, underscoring the lifelong challenge of dietary management.
