Peanuts are good for most people because they are rich in energy and nutrients.

However, minute traces of peanuts and peanut products such as peanut butter can cause severe reactions in a small but growing number of people.

The reason for this increase is not understood. It is possible that the rise in peanut allergy among children is occurring because of early exposure to peanut proteins in the womb (when mother has eaten peanuts), through mother's breast milk, or in the first few years of life. Most children are at very little, or no risk, of developing peanut allergy. The children who face a higher risk are those whose parents, or brothers/sisters suffer from allergic conditions such as:

• asthma
• eczema
• hayfever
• allergies

What happens to you if you are allergic to peanuts?

Reactions to peanuts vary from mild to severe including in the most extreme case:

• swelling of lips and throat
• difficulty in breathing or swallowing
• collapse and unconsciousness

This type of severe reaction is anaphylaxis. This is life-threatening and can occur very quickly.

Should pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers eat peanuts?

During pregnancy, and whilst breastfeeding a baby, mothers can pass on valuable protection and resistance to disease. They might also pass on allergic sensitivity to certain foods or substances. Again, not all children are at risk. Peanut allergy is most likely to affect children if there is an allergy in the immediate family.

If your family is in this category, a sensible message would seem to be to avoid peanuts, just in case. Peanuts are not essential to the diet and can be avoided without nutritional harm. So if you or your child's father, or a brother or sister of the child already suffer from: asthma, eczema, hay fever other allergies, it would be sensible to avoid peanut products during your pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Are peanuts and peanut products safe for young children?

For those families where there is no allergy in the immediate family there is no reason why children should not eat foods containing peanut products after weaning. Do not give whole peanuts to children under 5 years because of the possibility of choking.

If your family does suffer from allergic conditions, do not include peanuts or food containing peanut products in your child's diet until they are at least 3 years old.

If peanuts or peanut products are introduced after 3 years, as well as being alert for a severe reaction, you also need to watch out for milder reactions which might include:

• a tingling sensation on the lips, tongue or roof of the mouth
• colicky abdominal pain
• diarrhoea and/or sickness

Caring for peanut allergic children

• consult your doctor if you think your child might be allergic to peanuts and ask for a specialist referral
• learn to recognise the symptoms so you can act quickly if your child has a severe reaction
• seek urgent medical attention if your child has a severe reaction
• make sure others know about the problem and are aware of the dangers of accidental exposure and what to do in an emergency. Your child should wear a 'Medic Alert' emblem, or carry similar identification, to alert other people to their allergy

If your child is allergic to peanuts:

• do not let your child eat any peanuts or peanut products
• think about your kitchen practices - it may take only a tiny amount of peanut to bring on a severe reaction
• check the labels of pre-packed foods including the ingredients list
• if you have any doubts, avoid the food and ask about ingredients whenever eating out
• tell other people who might be looking after your child e.g. childminders or when they go to parties etc.

Please note that vegetable oils and refined peanut oils are very unlikely to cause a problem.

Useful contacts and further information:

• The Anaphylaxis Campaign 2 Clockhouse Road, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 9QY
• The British Allergy Foundation 30 Bellgrove Road, Welling, Kent DA16 3PY