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Early Peanut Introduction Guidelines Show Real-World Success

New Research Confirms Significant Decline in Food Allergy Rates

The question pediatricians have been asking since the LEAP trial changed practice: Are early peanut introduction guidelines actually working in the real world? A November 2025 study published in Pediatrics provides encouraging evidence that they are.


From Trial to Practice

When the LEAP trial demonstrated an 81% reduction in peanut allergy among high-risk infants who consumed peanut early, it revolutionized our approach to allergy prevention. But randomized controlled trials don't always translate to population-level impact. Implementation barriers, from caregiver anxiety to variable provider adoption, raised questions about whether guideline dissemination would meaningfully change allergy epidemiology.


Researchers from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the AAP analyzed electronic health record data from over 124,000 children across 48 primary care practices in the AAP CER2 network. They compared three cohorts: pre-guidelines (2012-2014), post-initial guidelines (2015-2017), and post-addendum guidelines (2017-2019).



The Numbers Tell a Compelling Story

Peanut allergy rates dropped from 0.79% to 0.53% to 0.45% across the three periods—a 43% overall reduction. Any IgE-mediated food allergy decreased from 1.46% to 0.93%—a 36% decline. Both changes were highly statistically significant (p<0.0001).


Perhaps most importantly, these reductions occurred regardless of whether children had atopic dermatitis. This supports the current consensus guidelines, which recommend early introduction for all infants at 4-6 months, without routine risk stratification or pre-introduction testing.


The study also revealed an interesting shift: egg overtook peanut as the most common documented food allergen in the post-guidelines period. Cow's milk allergy rates also decreased significantly, suggesting families and providers are applying early introduction principles more broadly...continue reading...


Sushma Chamarthi, MD, MPH, CLC

Santa Clara Area Director, AAP-CA1



President's Column:

We Rise



2026 brings us the opportunity to fight passionately for what we believe in. Maya Angelou reminds us:


“Just like moons and like suns,

With the certainty of tides,

Just like hopes springing high,

Still I'll rise.”



We are the experts who know how to care for children and help them thrive. The seeds of care we plant today will translate into health and full, meaningful lives for our patients tomorrow.



As we face new challenges, some we never imagined, let’s stay centered. Let’s keep doing what we do best, and let’s fight with all our might. Let’s continue to do what we love while countering the misinformation and disinformation that surround us. We have the power and the responsibility to set the record straight.


Our chapter is mighty. We are richly diverse, with incredible individuals doing extraordinary work. I encourage you to attend chapter chats, join in-person events and embrace opportunities to mentor and learn from one another. There are many ways to participate, each meaningful and valid at whatever level feels right for you.



Please encourage your colleagues to join our chapter! Here is the link to join, and feel free to share: AAP California Chapter 1 Membership.


Neel Patel, MD, FAAP

President, AAP-CA1

Dairy Council of California: Strengthening Community Health Through Nutrition Education

As a nutrition education and advocacy organization that advances the benefits of milk and dairy foods in achieving nutrition security and sustainable food systems, the Dairy Council of California has much to offer. Education, advocacy and partnerships with health professionals, educators and community leaders elevate the health of children and families by fostering lifelong healthy eating patterns.



Thanks to the generous support from California’s dairy farm families and local milk processors, the organization is able to provide science-based nutrition education resources and nutrition professional development at no cost to you. With the support and collaboration of health professionals, these programs help deliver nutrition education to 1.7 million students and families across California and throughout the United States each year.

Elementary students learn about how milk goes from farm to grocery store at Mobile Dairy Classroom assemblies throughout California. Learn more about the Mobile Dairy Classroom


Dairy Council of California advocates for equitable access to nutritious foods by connecting and collaborating with farmers, schools, health professionals, and communities to ensure that children and families learn how pairing fruits, vegetables, and whole grains with dairy can enhance taste, improve overall nutrition, and support physical and cognitive development while helping prevent chronic conditions. Access Free Medi-Cal approved resources in English and Spanish. Access booklets, handouts, and all resources.  


Dairy Council of California recently co-hosted a culinary medicine symposium at the University of California, Davis, bringing together pediatricians, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and registered dietitians to explore dairy nutrition, innovation, and sustainability. Also...continue reading...


Dairy Council of California

Bessie O’Connor, RDN

Chapter Events

Childhood Nutrition & Obesity Prevention Committee Meeting

Wednesday, Jan. 21 | 6:00-7:00pm | Virtual


Join us on Jan. 21 at 6 p.m. for the Childhood Nutrition & Obesity Prevention Committee meeting. Internal Medicine Physicians Dr. Smruti Nalawadi and Dr. Shagun Bindlish will guide an interactive conversation on nutrition trends, obesity prevention, and how clinicians can work together to promote healthier outcomes for children and families.

Autism Informed Care for Pediatricians: A Practical Guide Chapter Chat

Tuesday, Feb. 3 | 6:00-7:00pm | Virtual


Join us on Feb. 3 at 6 p.m. for the Chapter Chat on Autism Informed Care for Pediatricians: A Practical Guide. This interactive discussion will help pediatricians better support autistic patients and their families by exploring the systems families navigate, common therapeutic supports, and practical strategies for care. We’ll take a fresh, strengths-based approach to autism—centering understanding, collaboration, and respect rather than viewing autism as something to be fixed.

In Case You Missed It: See Our Past Events!


Cannabis Conversations: Protecting Youth Health Through Clinical Practice and Public Policy Partnerships Chapter Chat – 12/16/2025


Amplify Your Advocacy Op-Ed Writing for Pediatricians Chapter Chat – 12/10/2025

Chapter Leadership Positions

Apply for Area Director Positions!



As an Area Director, you'll be part of a dynamic team representing one of our 11 diverse geographic areas. You will become a voting member of our chapter board and engage with local pediatric providers to advocate for children's health through the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Volunteer alongside a supportive leadership team dedicated to shaping the future of pediatric care.


Time commitment: 2-4 hours per month



Volunteer Area Director Positions:

  • Monterey Area Director
  • North Coastal Area Director


Perks and Benefits:

  • Membership on AAP Board: Gain valuable experiences and networking opportunities
  • Discounted CME Events: Access quality education at reduced rates.
  • Advocacy Day in Sacramento: Participate in impactful advocacy efforts.

ACES Health Champions Gathering Webinar

Friday, Jan. 16 | 12:00-1:00pm | Virtual


This session offers six principles for creating a community of belonging with the trauma-informed care lens, such as “connection before correction” and “challenges, concerns, celebrations.” Participants will learn about the faith-based and scientific importance of building safe relationships as the foundation of trauma healing and restoration. Register now!

AAP CATCH Grant Deadline Coming Soon!


The AAP CATCH (Community Access to Child Health) Grant Program provides funding for innovative, community-based child health projects across the United StatesS. and Canada. CATCH Planning, Implementation, and Resident Grants support pediatricians, residents, trainees, and pediatric advanced practice providers who are working to build community partnerships, address health disparities, and improve access to care for children and families.


📅 Application deadline: Jan. 20, 2026

📅 Awards announced: April 10, 2026

📅 Project start date: June 1, 2026

AAP-CA1 Advocating for Children Together (ACT) Conference in 2026


The AAP-CA1 Advocacy Committee is excited to announce that we will be hosting the Advocating for Children Together (ACT) Conference in 2026! Building on the success of the previous ACT Conferences in 2019 and 2020, this event will bring together pediatricians who are passionate about improving child health and provide an opportunity for skill-building and networking.


As planning begins, we are recruiting enthusiastic volunteers for the Speaker Committee, a conference planning committee that will shape the engaging talks and activities of the conference. Those who are interested can sign up using this form. Participating in the committee is a meaningful way to support pediatric advocacy, connect with colleagues, and help build a conference that equips pediatricians with the skills, opportunities, and connections needed to make a difference in children’s health. 

If you have any questions about the conference or the planning committee, please reach out to Lena Rothstein at lcrothstein@gmail.com. Access the 2019 ACT Conference or sign up to join the planning committee here!

California Pediatrics Podcast: California Cares Food Drive - Episode 7


In Episode 7 of California Pediatrics Podcast, Yasmine Choroomi, MD and Elizabeth Volpicelli, MD announce the California Cares Food Drive, a statewide initiative and fun competition involving all the pediatric residency programs in California.

Pediatric Careers in California!


Explore our job board for exciting career opportunities or share one of your own. Visit aapca1.org/jobs/.


  • Chapter Members: Enjoy a discounted rate of $50 for a 90-day job posting and promotion.
  • Non-Members/Corporate Entities: Post for 30 days at $100.


Take the next step in your pediatric career today!

Pediatric Jobs Available!

Northern California Pediatric Hospitalist Opportunity – Gould Medical Group - Modesto, CA


UCSF Health Medical Foundation Urgent Care Pediatrician - San Francisco, CA

Resources

California Pediatrics Podcast


More Episodes

Ep. 6: Dr. Webb - Using Our Voice to Advance Child Health


Ep. 2: Ilan Shapiro, MD: Pediatricians on Social Media


Recommended by AAP California Chapters

RSV: When It's More Than Just a cold


Almost all children get infected with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) at least once before they are 2 years old. For most healthy children, RSV is like a cold. But some children get very sick with RSV.


Recommended by Healthy Children

AAP News


Read AAP's latest news article on vaccine updates.


CDC plan to remove universal childhood vaccine recommendations ‘dangerous and unnecessary’


Recommended by AAP

Cal-MAP: Mental Health Support Resources


Cal-MAP’s team of mental health specialists supports primary care providers (PCPs) treating youth with mental health needs through education, consultation, and resource navigation.


Register for the Cal-MAP consultation program here: https://cal-map.org

 

Contact Us:

Phone:

800-253-2103

Email: info@cal-map.org


Recommended by AAP-CA1 Mental Health Committee

Parenting After Trauma

Early, hurtful experiences can cause children to see the world differently and react in different ways. Some children who have been adopted or placed into foster care need help to cope with what happened to them in the past. Knowing what experts say about early trauma can help you work with your child.


Recommended by Healthy Children

Dairy Council of California

Books:


Dairy Council of California elevates the health of children and communities by

promoting lifelong healthy eating through improved access to nutrition education and nutritious foods.

Access cultural relevant resources for feeding infants and toddlers developed through partnership with NACCHO and grant funding from the CDC.


Explore a Healthy Eating for Families nutrition education booklet.


For questions, contact: boconnor@dairycouncilofca.org


Recommended by AAP-CA1 Child Nutrition & Obesity Prevention Committee

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Twitter: @AAPCA1

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Facebook: California Chapter 1, American Academy of Pediatrics

Linkedin: American Academy of Pediatrics, California Chapter 1

Website: https://aapca1.org/

Your membership makes a difference for children in California, thank you!


The AAPCA1's ability to advocate on behalf of children is only as strong as the support we receive from our members. Encourage your colleagues to join today by visiting the AAPCA1 website.


Our mission is to promote the optimal health and development of children and
adolescents of Northern California in partnership with their families and communities, and to support the pediatricians who care for them.

Executive Committee:

President: Neel Patel • Vice President: Saul Diaz Martinez

Secretary: Kerrilyn Rice • Treasurer: Amita Saxena • Past President: Nicole Webb



Area Directors:

North Valley: Aishwarya Taneja • Sacramento Valley: Lena van der List • Central Valley: Deborah Shassetz • South Valley: Sireesha Palkamsetti • San Francisco: Ryan Alanzalon • Santa Clara: Swetang Shahm • San Mateo: Jonathon Everett • North Coastal: VACANT • Monterey Bay: VACANT • Alameda County: Renee Wachtel • Contra Costa/Solano: Jennifer Anne Miller


Pediatric Insider News Editors:

Christy Capestany • Nicole Anderson



Staff:

Executive Director: Yolanda Ruiz Project Coordinator: Sana Sayyid •

Marketing Assistant: Arathzy Portillo