The Ridgeway Surgery, peanut allergy Peanut allergy 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.
Most children are at very little, or no risk, of developing peanut allergy.
This type of severe reaction is anaphylaxis. This is life-threatening and can occur very quickly. 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.