It's a new phenomenon, probably something to do with taking the pill, global warming, and Bush.
Actually it's thought that it's due to the increasing use of soy-based formula for children. Soy is a legume (and thus is related to peanuts), and the introduction of leguminous proteins to a vulnerable infant system may set the stage for later peanut allergies. Should've stuck with breastfeeding, or cow or goat milk -- all of which worked fine for thousands of years.
That's a good possibility. I have also heard that soy effects the reproductive organs. A possible cause of kids literally maturing too fast? Just a thought. I know I do not have anything with soy in it. It does weird things to me.