Are nut allergies inherited?

[Banderchang]

I have an allergy to peanuts and almonds, and was wondering whether DS is likely to have inherited this. Does anyone know whether allergies can be passed on? We are nut free at home because of me, and his nursery is also nut free. But as he gets older (he's just 3), he's likely to eat more independently and I wondered if I should be getting him tested. Are there nut allergy tests for toddlers?

you normally only inhert the disposistion to be allergic, not the exact food allergies. But of course peanut is one of the most common.

you have slightly less chance of passing on the atopic conditions if you are the father with the allergies.

slightly higher if you are the mother with the allergies.

if your child is showing any atopic disease, eczema , asthma, hay fever, any food problems etc, then I would ask for testing.

if not showing any form of atopic disease i would think its pretty low chance of allergy. ( you can ask for a blood test , called a RAST test from your gp btw)

I have four children btw born of two atopic , but not food allergic parents. one has ige allergies, one has intolerence and environmental ige allergies. two are completely free of any allergies. ( so far as are now 20 and 19 yrs)

Thanks eragon. Might find out about that test from my GP, as DS has had some eczema in the past and we (DH and I) both have hayfever and asthma as well as my nut allergy.

I think there is a strong genetic link. I have 2 brothers and we all have one child with nut allergies. Between us we also have 6 children who are not allergic to nuts (although one is swells up to kiwi.)