Can My Child Have Tree Nuts with a Peanut Allergy?
There is often confusion between peanuts and tree nuts. Peanuts are legumes, not nuts. Most people with peanut allergy can eat tree nuts that don't have cross-contact with peanuts.
Approximately 30% of people with a peanut allergy can be allergic to at least one tree nut. Also, 40% of people with a peanut allergy choose to avoid all tree nuts. This is for various reasons. The most common one is the risk of cross-contact with their allergens.
If your child eats tree nuts without any symptoms, they do not need to remove them from their diet. When people with peanut allergy restrict all tree nuts, it can put them at risk for developing new tree nut allergies in the future.
People with peanut allergy should understand that it can be safe to eat some, if not all, tree nuts. Tree nuts can help with a balanced, nutritious diet. Discuss these issues with your allergist to clear up any confusion. They’ll create the best food allergy management plan going forward.
John M. James, MD, is a board-certified allergist. He is also President of Food Allergy Consulting and Education Services, LLC. He has worked as a medical specialist in the field of allergy, asthma, and immunology for over 30 years. Dr. James received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas and his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Tennessee. He is board certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology.
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