Adults with peanut allergy can significantly reduce their risk of reactions by consuming daily doses of peanut protein, according to a recent study.
Adults with peanut allergy can significantly reduce their risk of reactions by consuming daily doses of peanut protein, according to a recent study.
A peanut allergy is an immune system reaction that occurs when the body mistakenly identifies peanuts as a threat.
This triggers the release of histamine, leading to symptoms such as hives, itching, swelling, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and anaphylaxis.
According to Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), peanut allergies affect approximately 1% of the US population, with children being more susceptible than adults.
Symptoms can range from mild to severe and require immediate medical attention if anaphylaxis occurs.
Peanut allergy occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies proteins in peanuts as a threat, leading to an overactive response and inflammation. This can cause symptoms such as swelling, itching, and vomiting, and in extreme cases, ‘anaphylactic shock‘ . Until recently, the only solution was to avoid peanuts, but oral immunotherapy has been approved for children with peanut allergy in the US.
A peanut allergy is a common food allergy that causes an immune system overreaction.
Symptoms can range from mild to severe and include hives, itching, swelling, stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
In severe cases, anaphylaxis can occur, which requires immediate medical attention.
Common symptoms in children may be mistaken for other conditions, such as a cold or ear infection caused by Ear Infection.
If you suspect a peanut allergy, consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
However, it was unclear if this approach would be effective in adults. Researchers at King’s College London recruited 21 adults with peanut allergy and had them consume a small dose of peanut protein every day for two weeks, which was gradually increased over several months. The results showed that all but one participant could safely eat the equivalent of five peanuts without having an allergic reaction.
Peanut allergy treatment typically involves avoiding exposure to peanuts and administering epinephrine auto-injectors in case of an emergency.
For severe cases, oral immunotherapy (OIT) may be recommended under medical supervision.
OIT involves gradually increasing peanut consumption to build tolerance.
Desensitization therapy is another approach, where small amounts of peanut protein are introduced to the body over time.
Researchers are also exploring sublingual immunotherapy and anti-IgE therapies for peanut allergy treatment.
The study also found that the intervention caused participants to have higher levels of IgG antibodies, which counteract the effects of IgE antibodies responsible for allergic reactions. This approach is promising, and further research is needed to verify the results and establish how long the protection lasts.
While this treatment may be a game-changer for adults with peanut allergy, it’s essential to note that it should not be attempted without medical supervision. The researchers emphasize that daily or regular doses of peanuts may be necessary to maintain tolerance to the allergen, similar to taking pills every day.
Key Findings
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21 adult participants with peanut allergy consumed daily doses of peanut protein for several months.
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All but one participant could safely eat the equivalent of five peanuts without having an allergic reaction.
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The intervention caused participants to have higher levels of IgG antibodies, which counteract the effects of IgE antibodies responsible for allergic reactions.
Future Research Directions
While this study is promising, further research is needed to verify the results and establish how long the protection lasts. Larger trials are necessary to confirm the efficacy and safety of this approach for adults with peanut allergy.
- newscientist.com | Daily doses of peanuts could desensitise adults with the allergy
