Peanuts

What are Peanuts?

• Peanuts are an energy-dense source of protein, fat, fiber, phosphorus, potassium, vitamin E, and so much more. Surprising to most, peanuts are not actually nuts, but legumes, meaning they grow below the ground. An allergy to peanuts is one of the most common food allergies amongst children in the United States, making peanut-free alternatives wildly available. Because of their benefits, if there is no known allergy, peanuts can be a beneficial component of a healthy diet in children with autism.

• Peanuts are a great source of protein, fat, fiber, phosphorus, potassium, and more. [2]

• Even though “nuts” is in the name, peanuts are not actually nuts but instead legumes. [4]

• Many people are surprised to learn that peanuts do not grow on trees like pecans or walnuts. Instead, the peanut pods of the peanut plant grow below the ground.

• The processing of peanuts varies widely and they can be eaten in many ways such as: raw in-shell, boiled, roasted, whole, chopped, and peanut butter. Commercially, peanuts are used mainly for peanut oil production.

• Peanuts are a rich source of energy, providing roughly 567 calories per 100g. Additionally, peanuts have more protein than any ‘nut’ (7g per servings), containing more than 30 essential vitamins and minerals, and are a good source of fiber and healthy monounsaturated fats. [5]

• Recently, research has also discovered that peanuts are a rich source of resveratrol, phenolic acids, flavonoids, and phytosterols, bioactives that have been recognized for their disease-preventative properties and are thought to promote longevity. [5] Processing methods like boiling and roasting have been shown to increase these compounds. [5]

• An allergy to peanuts is one of the most common allergies amongst children in the United States. So much so that many schools have declared themselves entirely “nut-free”.

Source: Autism Dietitian Instagram

Nutrient Breakdown

Peanuts are a great plant-based source of protein, fiber, and unsaturated fats. They are a good source of the following macro and micronutrients:

• Fiber

• Protein

• Fat

• Vitamin E

• Manganese

• Magnesium

• Copper

• Vitamin B2

• Phosphorus

• Calcium

Foods Containing Peanuts

• Peanuts

• Peanut butter

• Peanut oil

• Chinese, Thai and Mexican dishes

• Chocolate bars and candies

• Cakes, pastries, and cookies

• Ice cream and frozen yogurt

• Granola bars and trail mixes

*Be sure to check your food labels as it will be listed if peanuts are included, though it is not necessary to include if the product was made in the facility that also produces nut products and may be cross-contaminated. [4]

Peanut Alternatives

• Any other nut variety: walnuts, hazelnuts, brazil nuts, almonds

• Seeds

  • Sunflower butter is a common alternative to peanut butter for those with nut allergies.

• Nut & seed alternatives

  • Roasted bean snacks: roasted chickpeas, soybeans

Food Reactions

Peanut allergies can be as sensitive as someone touching a peanut and having a reaction. Children are more likely to have peanut allergies than adults. Some children grow out of their peanut allergy, while others do not. Family history can play a part in developing a peanut allergy. [3] 

An allergic reaction to peanuts is when proteins in the peanut bind to IgE antibodies made by the immune system. The next time you eat peanuts the immune system will trigger leading to reaction symptoms. These symptoms can be very severe and could result in anaphylaxis. Moderate symptoms include itching, hives, tingling sensations, and nausea. More intense reactions include swelling of the face or limbs, wheezing, vomiting, diarrhea or anxiety. [3]

The body can respond to foods in many different ways including food allergies, food sensitivities, or food intolerances. If you suspect a food reaction, you can either choose to avoid the food or seek food reaction testing. Click here for more information on the difference in types of food reactions and testing options. 

DISCLAIMER: Always consult with your pediatrician and/or your Registered Dietitian to help you test for a food reaction or to aid you in making individualized dietary changes.

Peanuts & Autism in the Research

There is no direct research on autism and peanuts. However, it is well established that food allergies are very common amongst the ASD population and peanuts are one of the most prevalent allergies in general. Therefore, a peanut allergy should be ruled out prior to consumption. See Nuts for general research into nuts.

Peanuts & Mold

• Peanuts can present a significant source of mold exposure depending on origin, harvesting, processing, moisture, and storage.

• Various studies have linked mold/mycotoxins to autism, but more research needs to be done to confirm any relationship.

• Visit the Mold Exposure note to learn more about the connection between mold and autism.

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• Research

  [1] What You Need to Know about Food Allergies. U.S. Food and Drug Administration.https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/what-you-need-know-about-food-allergies. Published 2020. Accessed August 18, 2020.

  [2] 2020. [online] Available at: <https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/781089/nutrients> [Accessed 10 August 2020].

  [3] What Are the Symptoms of a Peanut Allergy?. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/peanut-allergy-symptoms#prevention. Published 2020. Accessed September 16, 2020.

  [4] Nut Allergy: What Are the Symptoms?. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/nut-allergy-symptoms. Published 2020. Accessed September 16, 2020.

  [5] Arya SS, Salve AR, Chauhan S. Peanuts as functional food: a review. J Food Sci Techno. 2016;53(1):31-41. doi:10.1007/s13197-015-2007-9

Authors

April Allen, RDN

Sinead Adedipe, MS

Brittyn Coleman, MS, RDN/LD, CLT