A nut allergy cure is on the horizon
It's one of the most common food allergies there is, but could our sensitivity to peanuts soon be cured with a simple probiotic treatment? Scientists in Australia think they may have finally found the solution to long-term peanut problems in children following a successful medical trial, leading experts to question whether such a solution could be applied to other food allergies, too.
The research
The small trial, undertaken by the Murdoch Children's Research Institute, monitored 48 children with nut allergies over the course of several years. For the initial 18 months, the participants were treated with an experimental immunotherapy treatment that involved taking a probiotic called lactobacillus rhamnosus – either with a peanut protein or a placebo – every day.
It was found that 80% of those consuming the peanut protein were then able to eat nuts without any reactions – a result which lessened slightly over the remaining years to 70%. Lead researcher Professor Mimi Tang explained:
"The probiotic acts on the immune system, encourages the immune system to generate a protective, or tolerance, response rather than allergy. When given regularly over time, we hope to see the immune system recognise the antigen."
She added:
"We had children who came into the study allergic to peanuts, having to avoid peanuts in their diet, being very vigilant around that, carrying a lot of anxiety. At the end of treatment, and even four years later, many of these children who had benefited from our probiotic peanut therapy could now live like a child who didn't have peanut allergy."
Professor Tang described the treatment as "a major step forward," and said she believes the science could also benefit people suffering from other food-based allergies, too.
Peanuts: When to worry
It is estimated that about 1% of the world's population has some form of peanut allergy, which are infamous for their severity. Indeed, nut allergies are the most common cause of anaphylaxis – a life-threatening reaction that affects the whole body within minutes of exposure to certain substances. Symptoms of anaphylactic shock include the following:
Light-headedness
Breathing difficulties, such as fast, shallow breathing. This is often caused by swelling in the mouth and throat.
Wheezing
A fast heartbeat
Clammy skin
Confusion and panic
Loss of consciousness
Individuals who are aware of their susceptibility to anaphylaxis will carry an EpiPen or other adrenaline auto-injector with them, and this must be used as soon as possible following a reaction. Anaphylaxis must be treated quickly, so call 999 straight away and remove any potential triggers that could have caused the reaction.
While the above findings are undoubtedly a step in the right direction for those suffering with food allergies, other, larger trials will be needed before any potential product can be made available to the public.
You Might Also Like
