Abstract

An odd way to introduce a counter argument to the debate perhaps. Early introduction does reduce the risk of food allergy but only convincingly, so far, within the surreal confines of the modus operandi of the LEAP study. No other study that has had to grapple with the realities of parental adherence has achieved such stunning results. On the basis primarily of LEAP, the USA is now recommending what amounts to a screening programme. Nowhere near enough thought has been given to the logistical issues of what is being proposed and the inexorable implications of extrapolating LEAP to other allergenic foods. If it works for peanuts, why not introduce all tree nuts in early infancy? Why not all allergenic foods? The long term implications of wholesale shifts in infant diet remain distinctly uncertain.