PEANUT SENSITIZATION IN CHILDREN GIVEN OI LY VITAMIN PREPARATIONS

Background and methods. - Early sensitization to peanut can occur thro ugh milk formulas which contain peanut oil. Thus, the groundnut allerg ens in relation to the early feeding have been systematically tested i n all children referred to the paediatric allergy unit for symptoms no t related to peanut allergy. Results. - Out of 102 children, 4 to 35 m onths old, 19 had a positive test (weal > 3 mm). Neither breast feedin g nor milk formulas changed the frequency of sensitization. On the con trary, vitamin D preparations in groundnut oil significantly increased the risk (p < 0.008). Odds ratios were 5.47 in the case of neonatal p rescription, 4.82 in case of delayed prescription. Odds ratio increase d to 8.25 (p < 0.04) in allergic children under two years who had rece ived oily vitamin D preparation during their neonatal period. Conclusi ons. - The result suggest to leave groundnut oil out of all foods and drugs given to infants and young children, as required for infantile m ilk formulas.