A team of doctors from Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, England, is about to launch a three-year study that they hope could lead to a treatment for peanut allergies in children.
The randomized, controlled study will replicate previous trials in which the researchers gave peanut-allergy sufferers five milligrams a day of peanut flour and gradually built up their tolerance over the course of six months. By the end of the six months, children were able to tolerate the equivalent of five peanuts a day – a remarkable gain given that even trace amounts can trigger severe adverse reactions in allergy sufferers.
Set to begin next month, the new project will follow 100 children ages seven to 17 over the course of three years. The process of gradually building up a tolerance is called “desensitization.” It is not a permanent cure, but the doctors believe that as long as desensitized patients continue taking a daily dose of peanuts, they will continue to maintain their tolerance.
The study will be led by Dr. Andrew Clark, who emphasized that parents should not attempt this without medical supervision. He presented his research at a meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in San Diego. He believes that within two to three years there will be “a treatment that works, but we are still working on a long-term cure.”
Last year, researchers at Duke University Medical Center and Arkansas Children's Hospital reported similar results, noting that “initial desensitization treatments are real,” but emphasizing that the research is ongoing and that the treatment is not a cure.
There are more than 1.5 million adults and children who suffer from peanut and other tree nut allergies in the United States. According to the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network, “Allergy to peanuts appears to be on the rise. One study showed that from 1997 to 2002, the incidence of peanut allergy doubled in children.” Recent studies suggest that up to 20% of children with peanut allergies outgrow it.
For more information on peanut allergies, see the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network.
Check out the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis website for kids here and for teens here.
Comments
If you have pre-school children with food allergies clearly identify them to changing caregivers & volunteers to keep them well. A resource from Contemporary Pediatrics Magazine ALERT CLOTHING COMPANY.T-shirts,sweatshirts & totes with colorful,child friendly characters (cowboy,ladybug,fairy...)& a food allergy message to alert caregivers.Dancing Dinosaur tee, "Food Allergy...NO food sharing without asking my Parents!" The company logo is on the back of each item for easy ID.A little piece of mind for all involved. www.AlertClothingCompany.com
I like the previous comment and will have to check out the clothing! It is so important to share info to keep our kids safe! Our little guy has been helped greatly with food allergies/intolerances and terrible Eczema by taking his all natural chewable probiotic from Belly Boost - but we do still have some serious major allergens that we avoid and carry an Epipen for. Thanks for the great info :) I have a mom blog called smilinggreenmom.com on natural, green and allergy-free living if anyone would like to visit for recipes and fun info!
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!