Has peanut allergy finally been cured?
Many people think that peanut is the number food allergy in Australia, in reality it is actually gluten. However, peanut allergy is certainly one of the most significant food allergens, as it is usually extremely serious and few people will grow out of it, like many do with dairy and egg allergies. The vast majority of people who have an allergy to the specific peanut protein will suffer anaphylaxis if they consume any peanut at all.
This is why much work has been happening for the last few years in trying to reduce or even eliminate peanut allergy.
It seems that a probiotic may be the answer.
Probiotics are bacteria that have beneficial effects on humans and are commonly consumed in yogurt and probiotic drinks and nutritional supplements.
Researchers at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute have found that 80 percent of the children involved in their 18 month long study have shown a tolerance to peanut after the trial.
60 children allergic to peanut were given a specified set amount of a probiotic, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, daily with an increasing dosage of the peanut protein every two weeks over the 18 months.
A maintenance dose of two grams of peanut was the final point of the study and then the treatment stopped. Two – five weeks after the end of the treatment, a peanut challenge was given to each of the children and the result was the 80 percent tolerance. Interestingly, only four percent of the placebo group had a tolerance at the peanut challenge.
Lead researcher, Associate Professor Mimi Tang said; “In the study the combined delivery of probiotic and oral immunotherapy was a safe and effective treatment for peanut allergy. However, it is important to point out that this treatment must be only be given under close medical supervision as we are giving peanut to children who are allergic to peanut, and children did have allergic reactions. It appears that we have been able to modify the allergic response to peanut such that the immune system produces protective responses rather than a harmful response to the peanut protein.”
The researchers believe that further research will be required on this children to determine if the tolerance is long term.
Written by Rachelle Williams, The Green Food Safety Coach.