A study shows that a peanut tolerance can be achieved thanks to a specific probiotic.
A research team claims to have found a time-limited solution for those with an allergy to peanuts. According to the scientists, the combination of probiotics and peanuts helped trial participants develop a peanut tolerance that lasted for around four years.
The study still is in its early phases, and the trial was on the small scale, but its results are nonetheless presented as being promising.
Peanut Tolerance Lasting Four Years Or More?
Murdoch Children’s Research Institute in Melbourne, Australia researchers are behind this new study. This involved a somewhat small number of children, almost 50. They were given a probiotic with a peanut protein on a daily basis for 18 months or a placebo. This was the Lactobacillus rhamnosus, which had already been shown to be useful in preventing some allergic symptoms.
The participants were then tested twice after this. Once, a month later, when 80 percent of them were noted to tolerate peanuts without allergic symptoms. Then, the children were tested four years later. At the time, 70 percent of them could still consume peanuts without showing any adverse reactions to them.
“The importance of this finding is that these children were able to eat peanuts like children who don’t have peanut allergy and still maintain their tolerant state, protected against reactions to peanuts,” stated Prof. Mimi Tang, the lead researcher.
The professor then continued by pointing out that it is the first time a treatment for peanut allergies or in this case, peanut tolerance, was effective over such an extended period of time.
Still, the study team itself points out that their research had its limitations. As it is, they underline the need for bigger studies with more participants. They also consider that a more rigorous data collecting method (as opposed to retrospective surveys) would be needed.
Still, the results are considered promising as they might be a safe way of dealing with peanut allergies on the long term.
Current study results are available in a paper in the journal The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health.
Image Source: Pexels
