Hoyt Institute of Food Allergy

01/23/2026

Liability concerns are understandable, but choosing not to be prepared for a medical emergency is the bigger risk. Millions of children live with anaphylactic food allergies and doing nothing is not an option. The good news is that laws exist to protect schools, organizations, and individuals who use epinephrine appropriately. Doctors and allergists across the country want to help (shoutout to ), and when we work together and know the law, we can be ready to act when kids need us most.

01/20/2026

📣New Episode Alert!
In this new episode of Food Allergy and Your Kiddo, Dr. Hoyt discusses her recent experience speaking at a panel in Washington, D.C., focused on improving access to epinephrine for anaphylaxis. She emphasizes the importance of making epinephrine available over the counter and addresses the challenges faced by schools and families in accessing this life-saving medication. Dr. Hoyt also highlights the role of education in ensuring proper use of auto-injectors and shares insights from the FDA’s evolving approach to non-prescription drugs.

🎙️🎧Listen anywhere you can find podcasts, or watch on YouTube! (Links in bio!)

Tell us what you think in the comments: should epinephrine be over-the-counter?

01/07/2026

After OIT comes the part that really matters long term: keeping the tolerance going.

Dr. Hoyt explains the “Tolerance Preservation” phase as intentionally keeping the food in your child’s diet so the tolerance you’ve built doesn’t fade. Over time, the guardrails come down, but safety is still key. Epi stays available early in this process as does parent supervision.

🕰️At 6 to 12 months, we are reassessing. Is the food still being eaten? Is it happening multiple days a week, with a solid serving? (If not, that should be reported immediately, not waiting for an appointment!). That consistency is what helps preserve and grow tolerance.

Every protocol looks a little different, which is why these conversations with your OIT allergist matter. Ask the questions, learn the process, and make sure it fits your family.

Check out to this entire Food Allergy and Your Kiddo episode: “What ChatGPT Thinks Parents Want to Know About OIT”

Click the link in bio to watch on YouTube or listen on Podcasts!

01/05/2026

In this episode of Food Allergy and Your Kiddo, Dr. Alice Hoyt walks parents through what they really want to know about Oral Immunotherapy (OIT).

🕒 Your child’s first dose is done in the office, followed by about two hours of observation. If a reaction happens, it typically occurs within that time frame.
🥜 Starting doses are tiny, often as little as 3 mg of the food protein (perspective: a single peanut has about 300mg of peanut protein).
👶 Younger babies can often start at higher doses thanks to the residual fetal immune system.
🥄 Doses are measured using small oral syringes or tiny teaspoons with real foods like peanut butter or egg. The oral syringe approach is similar to how parents give babies Tylenol.
📈 Doses increase gradually with the allergist, often every two weeks until a maintenance dose is reached. This helps build tolerance over time.

As soon as a food allergy is diagnosed, treatment should be part of the conversation.

Have questions about OIT? This episode is a must-listen.

Episode: “What ChatGPT Thinks Parents Want to Know About OIT”

12/16/2025

Join my colleagues and me as we discuss access to epinephrine and how we can improve outcomes in anaphylaxis. Link in bio to register so too you can attend via Zoom. And please share your comments.

12/15/2025

12/12/2025

Author Pop Up! This Saturday from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., meet me, Dr. Alice Hoyt, and learn about Wally the Seafood-Allergic Walrus! This is a sweet, kid-friendly story that helps children with food allergies feel less alone — and helps their classmates better understand and support them.

is all about less stress, more joy for every family. 💛
Come say hi to Wally and bring more empathy to your home and classroom this holiday season!

📘 Learn more - link in bio.

12/11/2025

“How do I support my child emotionally during OIT?”
This is the quiet question so many parents carry and OIT and food allergies.

In this episode of Food Allergy and Your Kiddo, Dr. Hoyt breaks down how she guides families through OIT with honesty, age-appropriate language, and zero “sneaking” treatment into kiddos. Even with little ones, it’s all about helping them understand why, and making sure they feel safe, supported, and included every step of the way.

If you’ve ever wondered what emotional support looks like during OIT, this one’s a must-listen. 🩵

12/09/2025

Dr. Hoyt dives into something a little different this week on the Food Allergy and Your Kiddo podcast. She asked ChatGPT what you are most curious about when it comes to oral immunotherapy… and wow, did it spark a conversation. 🤖💬

Inside this episode, you’ll hear:
🍽️ What parents really want to know about OIT
🛡️ Why safety is always question #1
⏱️ What the OIT process actually looks like—start to finish
🎯 The real talk on outcomes (including why we don’t call it a “cure”)
🩵 And the quiet fourth question every parent eventually asks:
“How do I support my child emotionally through all of this?”

If you’re navigating food allergies, considering OIT, or just want to feel more empowered on this journey—you’ll want to hear this one.

“What ChatGPT Thinks Parents Want to Know About OIT” is available on YouTube and anywhere you listen to podcasts!

Have thoughts on ChatGPT’s top three questions? Drop them in the comments. We want to hear from you! 💬✨

12/08/2025

Join me as I read this sweet book that teaches about food allergies and how to be a good friend to all! 💛

12/02/2025

Disney magic is still possible with food allergies, but a recent change means parents need to speak up more than before.

I visited Disney Springs myself to understand what families should expect. Tune in for clear steps to keep your kiddo safe and joyful on your next trip. 💛🏰 Disney’s New Food Allergy Policy: What Families Need to Know

11/21/2025

Every Friday, I share practical, pediatrician-focused food allergy insights to help clinicians better support families — from clinical pearls to emerging research to real-world guidance.
If you care for kids with and want updates that are clear, concise, and clinically useful, you’ll love the Food Allergy Friday newsletter.
This week: I’m speaking at the conference about preparedness in early childhood education settings — and I’m sharing in the newsletter how busy clinicians like you can empower early childcare professionals and advocate for your patients in the early childhood space.
Join the Food Allergy Friday community.
Sign up at the link in my bio. 👇