Peanut allergies are relatively commonplace in the U.S. and they can even be fatal, which is why so many schools are cautious about preventing kids with allergies from coming in contact with them.
According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, over 3 million people report having allergies to peanuts and/or tree nuts.
The condition is thought to be lifelong but one new study out of Australia could hold the key to putting a stop to the epidemic once and for all.
Researchers Say They May Have a Cure
According to this article from The Guardian, a new Melbourne, Australia-based study has helped transform the lives of 80% of patients with peanut allergies in a clinical trial.
During the study, researchers gave peanut allergy suffering children nut protein along with a probiotic and found that the combination could be a potential cure for the ailment.
The study was conducted by the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute on 30 allergic children who were given a daily dose of peanut protein and the probiotic over an 18 month period.
The probiotic used? Lactobacillus rhamnosus, in a high dose equal to eating about 20 kg of yogurt.
By the end of the trial 80% of the kids could eat peanuts without having a reaction.
“Many of the children and families believe it has changed their lives, they’re very happy, they feel relieved,” said the lead researcher, Mimi Tang. “These findings provide the first vital step towards developing a cure for peanut allergy and possibly other food allergies.”
“Do Not Try This at Home…”
As the article noted, further research will now take place to see how long the kids will be able to tolerate peanuts in the coming years
A follow-up study of eight weeks is expected to be conducted.
Tang also said that parents should not try the treatment at home, however, because of the dangers of the nut protein in allergic kids: “Some families might be thinking about trialling this at home and we would strongly advise against this. In our trial some children did experience allergic reactions, sometimes serious reactions.
“For the moment this treatment can only be taken under the supervision of doctors as part of a clinical trial.”
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