new study from the Isle of Wight suggests that the number of children with peanut allergies is increasing.

The study, published last week in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, tested two groups of children, one born in 1989 and the other from 1994 to 1996, for sensitivity to peanuts.

Advertisement

More than 3 percent of the younger group were sensitive to peanuts, compared with just 1 percent of the children born in 1989.

Using a different measurement — questionnaires given to parents — the study also found an increase, though a smaller one, in those reporting that their children had had allergic reactions to items that contained peanuts.

The children who had exhibited peanut sensitivity were given a second test in which they were carefully put in contact with peanuts. The results of that test were combined with the reports of previous allergic episode to yield an estimate of active peanut allergy of 1.5 percent.

The researchers, from St. Mary's Hospital on the Isle of Wight, noted that allergic disorders in general seemed to be increasing and that "peanut allergy is becoming an increasing health problem." They suggested that pregnant women and breast-feeding mothers avoid peanuts.

The lead researcher, Dr. Syed Hasan Arshad, said one reason for the increase might be the number of families who had switched to vegetarian diets, which are more likely to contain peanuts.

He also noted new evidence that allergies could be transmitted during breast-feeding and, perhaps, before birth.

"It seems prudent," Dr. Arshad said, "that those with histories of allergies in the immediate family should avoid peanuts during pregnancy and lactation."