Scientists gave increasing doses of peanut protein powder to toddlers and found that after two and a half years, nearly three quarters could tolerate as much as 16 peanuts without allergic reactions. A pacifier recall, the impact of sugar on kids' development, and more are in the news.
AP: Early Treatment Could Tame Peanut Allergies In Small Kids
Young children might be able to overcome their peanut allergies if treated at an early enough age, according to a study published Thursday. The researchers gave increasing amounts of peanut protein powder to a group of toddlers to build up their tolerance for peanuts. After 2 1/2 years, close to three-quarters could tolerate the equivalent of 16 peanuts without an allergic reaction. Six months after treatment stopped, one-fifth still had the same tolerance. (Choi, 1/20)
ABC News: Peanut Allergy Treatment Effective On Toddlers, Study Finds 
A peanut allergy treatment often used on children 4 years old and up in the U.S. appears to be safe for toddlers too, a new study has found. Around 2% of children in the country suffer from the allergy, some to a debilitating degree, which is why the discovery is "extremely exciting," said Dr. David Stukus, professor of clinical pediatrics and director of the Food Allergy Treatment Center at Nationwide Children's Hospital. (Ford, 1/20)
In other news about pediatric health —
USA Today: Pacifier Recall 2022: Mushie & Co Pacifiers Recalled For Choking Risk
Nearly 334,000 baby pacifiers are being recalled because they could pose a choking risk. According to the recall notice posted on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission website, Mushie & Co is recalling its "FRIGG silicone pacifiers" because the "base of the silicone nipple has a fine slit that can cause the nipple to detach from the plastic shield, posing a choking hazard." Two designs of the pacifiers are included in the recall – classic and daisy – and both came in two sizes 0-6 months and 6-18 months. They were sold in more than 40 colors at TJ Maxx, SpearmintLOVE, Lil' Tulips, Olivia & Jade Company stores nationwide and online at Amazon.com and Mushie.com. (Tyko, 1/20)
Philadelphia Inquirer: Eating Too Much Sugar Can Harm Kids’ Brain Development, New Research Shows
Parents often stress about their kids’ sugar intake, but it can be hard to know how much is too much — or what to do about it. Glucose — a simple sugar that forms the basis of most carbohydrate-rich food — is the primary source of energy for the brain. Healthy brains require a continuous source of energy and nutrients to fuel growth, learning and development. However, that doesn’t mean extra consumption of sugar is good for the developing brain. In fact, too much sugar can actually be detrimental to the normal growth of the brain. (Begdache, 1/21)
Stat: Study Shows ‘Saliva Sharing’ Shapes Babies’ View Of Close Relationships
Raising a young child can be a bit … messy. There’s the drool to be wiped, the slobbery feeding and sharing of utensils — and plenty of kisses. But it turns out that all that exposure to family members’ spit — what, in academic parlance, is known as “saliva sharing” — plays a crucial role in how we make sense of the world around us, a new study shows. It helps shape our discernment of social relationships, starting from our first months of life. (Joseph, 1/20)
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