Peanut allergy affects about 1 in 50 children, and is the
most common cause of fatal food allergy reactions. Symptoms may vary from mild
to severe, from swollen lips or shortness of breath to anaphylactic shock,
which can be fatal.
Doctors are now working on using nuts to treat children with
peanut allergy, and so building tolerance that can a safe a life in case of
accidental ingestion.
Small doses of peanut powder taken over several months
seemed to induce tolerance in children with the potentially deadly allergy (The
Lancet Medical Journal).
In the research done, treatment allowed children with all
severities of peanut allergy to eat large quantities of peanuts, well above the
levels found in contaminated snacks and meals. After 6 months of treatment,
84-91% of children in the trial could safely tolerate daily doses of 800mg
peanut powder – the equivalent of about 5 peanuts.
Although ‘exceptionally promising’, this method remains
experimental, mentioned Matthew Greenhawt from the University of Michigan Food
Allergy Centre.
Extract from The Sun
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