What Really Drives Food Allergy Risk in Children?

Our Focus Pediatrics Journal Club for the month of May reviewed a 2026 JAMA Pediatrics meta-analysis looking at food allergies in children.  Food allergy affects nearly 5% of children, and this article sheds new light on why some children develop allergies while others do not.   

The strongest and most consistent risk factors are early atopic conditions, particularly eczema (atopic dermatitis). Infants with eczema in the first year of life have nearly a fourfold increase in the odds of developing food allergy. 

Another key—and importantly modifiable—risk factor is delayed introduction of allergenic foods. Waiting until after 12 months to introduce foods like peanuts is associated with 2.5 times higher risk of food allergy.  

While genetics and environment both play a role, this study emphasizes that early-life exposures—especially skin health and feeding practices—are central to shaping a child’s risk of food allergy. 
Although you cannot control whether your child has eczema you can make sure you are giving the allergy prone foods early to your child.