homehome Home chatchat Notifications


Nut allergy cured in 80% of children participating in probiotic clinical trial

Australian scientists have cured nut allergy in 80% of the children taking part in a probiotic clinical trial. These children’s lives how now been transformed forever, with many more – child or adult – to follow soon. Nut allergy is lifelong and the most common cause of death from food anaphylaxis. Peanuts – back on the […]

Tibi Puiu
January 28, 2015 @ 5:04 pm

share Share

Australian scientists have cured nut allergy in 80% of the children taking part in a probiotic clinical trial. These children’s lives how now been transformed forever, with many more – child or adult – to follow soon. Nut allergy is lifelong and the most common cause of death from food anaphylaxis.

Peanuts – back on the menu

peanut allergy

Image: Allergy Reliever

Peanuts are among the most common allergy-causing foods, and chances have it if you’re not allergic to peanuts, you know someone who is. Because their so dangerous for those allergic to them, many food manufacturers are mandated by law to visibly label peanut content even in those foods which you’d think don’t have any business with peanuts. The thing is, peanuts often find their way into things you wouldn’t imagine. Take chili, for instance: lots of producers thicken these with ground peanuts.

Here’s some useful trivia: peanuts aren’t actually a true nut, but a legume in the same family as peas and lentils. However, the proteins found in peanuts are similar in structure to those in tree nuts, so people with allergic to peanuts can also be allergic to tree nuts, such as almonds, Brazil nuts, walnuts, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pistachios, pecans, and cashews.

Our immune system is great at warding off infections, but when a person is allergic to nuts, the immune system overreacts to the proteins in these foods and treats them as “invaders”. This causes a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis in which chemicals called histamine are released in the body. Anaphylaxis may begin with some of the same symptoms as a less severe reaction, but then quickly worsen, leading someone to have trouble breathing, feel lightheaded, or to pass out. If it is not treated quickly, anaphylaxis can be life threatening. It’s also an allergy that haunts those afflicted all their lives, but a new groundbreaking research might prove to be a life raft.

Researchers gave about 30 allergic children a daily dose of peanut protein together with a probiotic (Lactobacillus rhamnosus) in an increasing amount over an 18-month period. At the end of the trial, 80% of the Aussie kids could eat peanuts without any 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.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that their allergies were cured for life. It’s possible of course, but many follow-up studies are mandated to assess whether patients can still tolerate peanuts in the years to come.

“We will be conducting a follow-up study where we ask children to take peanut back out of their diet for eight weeks and test them if they’re tolerant after that,” according to Tang.

If you’re thinking about doing this treatment on your own at home – don’t.

“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.”

Source: Murdoch Research

share Share

Huge Study Links Ayahuasca to Mental Health Benefits—But It’s Not for Everyone

Naturalistic use of this Amazonian brew shows potential mental health benefits, but with risks.

Women Didn’t Live Longer Than Men in Medieval Times. Here's Why

Bones tell the story of gender and survival in Medieval London.

This hidden mineral is crumbling thousands of home foundations across New England. “It’s like your house was diagnosed with cancer”

Pyrrhotite causes cracks in concrete. But research on how widespread the issue might be has only scratched the surface.

Roman-Era Britons Had Scandinavian DNA Long Before Viking Raids

Centuries before the Vikings, Scandinavian roots intertwined with Britain's ancient history.

Loneliness makes you more prone to disease. Interacting with friends and family can help

Social isolation and loneliness are more than personal struggles—they're global public health crises.

Why Winter Smells So Fresh: The Science Behind the Seasonal Aroma

Ever noticed how winter air smells so uniquely crisp and fresh? It’s not just your imagination.

Scientists Achieve Quantum Teleportation Using Existing Internet Cables

Researchers demonstrate quantum teleportation over internet traffic, paving the way for secure applications.

9 in 10 new cars sold in Norway in 2024 were electric

Norway’s bold policies and long-term vision have turned it into a global leader in electric vehicle adoption.

This Radar System Can Detect Hidden Moisture in Your Walls

Mold is one of the most significant challenges for homeowners, and once it takes hold, it can be incredibly difficult to eliminate. Preventing mold is the best approach, and the cornerstone of mold prevention is managing humidity. Now, researchers from Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have developed a method using microwave radar to monitor the […]

The surprising link between your pupils and how your brain stores memories at night

In the stillness of sleep, tiny pupil shifts in mice uncover a remarkable secret: the brain’s delicate act of preserving memories while forging new ones.