Research shows that introducing peanut foods to babies around 4 to 6 months of age can significantly lower their chances of developing a peanut allergy. In the U.S., doctors now recommend early peanut introduction as a standard part of infant care. However, families who don't speak English may be missing out on this protection, according to a new study presented at the 2026 Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI).
"Early peanut introduction is one of the few tools we have to actually prevent a food allergy before it starts, so it matters that every family has equal access to this guidance," said lead author James Senter, MD, MPH, a fellow at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago. "Our findings suggest that language, on its own, is a barrier. This isn't about families not caring about their child's health — it's about making sure our medical guidance actually reaches every family in a way they can understand and act on."
Dr. Senter and colleagues reviewed medical records for 3,170 children seen at two pediatric primary care clinics between 2021 and 2026. This included 240 children from families who spoke a language other than English at home, representing 25 different languages.
Overall, only about 28% of babies had peanut foods introduced by their 6-month checkup, and about 68% had it introduced by their 9-month checkup. Families who spoke a language other than English were far less likely to have started peanut foods by 6 months, and still less likely by 9 months, even after researchers accounted for other factors like income and neighborhood. This gap did not close over time. Non-English-speaking families were not "catching up" between the 6-month and 9-month visits any more than English-speaking families were.
"It will be important to have nutrition and allergy resources for families in multiple languages, something my group and I are also developing," said Dr. Senter. "Recognizing this area as a key gap in protection for families who speak languages other than English may help providers emphasize this practice to more families, address any questions or uncertainties, and clarify any cultural or linguistic barriers to early peanut introduction."
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago is a nonprofit organization committed to providing access to exceptional care for every child. It is the only independent, research-driven children's hospital in Illinois and one of less than 35 nationally. This is where the top doctors go to train, practice pediatric medicine, teach, advocate, research and stay up to date on the latest treatments. Exclusively focused on children, all Lurie Children's resources are devoted to serving their needs. Research at Lurie Children's is conducted through Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, which is focused on improving child health, transforming pediatric medicine and ensuring healthier futures through the relentless pursuit of knowledge. Lurie Children's is the pediatric training ground for Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. It is ranked as one of the nation's top children's hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.
