Peanuts are one of the most common foods people are allergic to
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Adults with peanut allergies have found a new way to reduce their risk of reactions by incorporating a small amount of peanut protein into their daily diet as part of a recent trial. This method, which has already been approved in the US for children with the condition, shows promising results for adults as well.
Peanut allergy is a condition where the immune system mistakenly identifies proteins in peanuts as harmful, triggering an allergic response. This response involves the production of IgE antibodies, which can lead to symptoms like swelling, itching, and vomiting. In severe cases, it can result in anaphylactic shock, a life-threatening reaction affecting breathing and heart rate.
Previously, the only solution for peanut allergy was strict avoidance, but a treatment known as oral immunotherapy was introduced for children in the US in 2020. This therapy aims to desensitize the immune system by gradually exposing it to increasing doses of peanut proteins.
Research on whether this approach is effective for adults was limited until a recent study conducted by Stephen Till at King’s College London. The study involved 21 adults with peanut allergies who could only tolerate a small amount of peanuts at the beginning of the trial.
Participants were instructed to consume a minute quantity of peanut protein daily for several months, gradually increasing the dose over time. By the end of the study, most participants were able to safely consume a significant amount of peanuts without experiencing allergic reactions.
While some participants experienced allergic reactions and dropped out of the study, the majority showed significant progress in their tolerance levels. Blood samples analyzed before and after the oral immunotherapy revealed an increase in IgG antibodies, which help counteract the effects of IgE antibodies.
Cezmi Akdis from the Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research commented on the study’s promising results, stating that this approach could alleviate the anxiety associated with accidental peanut exposure for adults with allergies. However, further large-scale trials are necessary to confirm the findings and determine the long-term effectiveness of the treatment.
It is important to note that individuals should never attempt to treat allergies without medical supervision.
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