In a significant advancement for those affected by peanut allergies, a recent study reveals that exposing adults to small amounts of peanut protein can reduce the risk of allergic reactions. This method, known as oral immunotherapy, has been successfully used in children for several years and is now demonstrating promising results for adults as well.

Peanut allergies rank among the most prevalent food allergies worldwide, often leading to severe reactions. According to research, the immune system misidentifies proteins found in peanuts as harmful invaders, prompting an exaggerated immune response. This response is characterized by the production of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, which, while crucial for immune defense, can trigger symptoms like swelling, itching, nausea, and in severe cases, anaphylactic shockan emergency condition that hinders breathing and can drastically alter heart rates.

Previously, the primary management strategy for peanut allergies involved strict avoidance of peanuts. However, a breakthrough came in 2020 when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved oral immunotherapy for children. This innovative treatment gradually helps the immune system adapt to and tolerate peanut proteins by administering increasing doses over time.

Despite the success in children, there was uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of this therapy in adults. Stephen Till, a researcher at Kings College London, highlights the challenge, stating, Most of the life of a peanut allergic individual is spent as an adult, but weve had no treatment to reduce their underlying reactivity to peanuts. He notes that adults may present a greater challenge for desensitization due to a less adaptable immune system compared to that of children.

To address this gap in knowledge, Till and his research team initiated a study involving 21 adults diagnosed with peanut allergies. Initially, participants could tolerate only about an eighth of a peanut without experiencing adverse reactions. Over the course of the study, each individual consumed the protein equivalent of one fortieth of a peanut daily for a period of two weeks. This dosage was gradually increased every two weeks, ultimately permitting participants to safely consume the equivalent of four large peanuts daily for an extended month.

Throughout the trial, three participants withdrew due to allergic reactions, while another three left for unrelated reasonsan attrition rate deemed acceptable for this type of clinical investigation, according to Cezmi Akdis from the Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research.

When the study concluded, the remaining 15 participants underwent a controlled allergy test, consuming increasing doses of peanut protein under medical supervision. Remarkably, 14 participants were able to consume the equivalent of five peanuts without experiencing allergic reactions. This finding is particularly encouraging, suggesting that oral immunotherapy may indeed facilitate significant desensitization in adults.

The research team also conducted blood tests before and after the therapy, which revealed an increase in IgG antibodies. These antibodies play a protective role by counteracting the effects of IgE antibodies, further indicating that the therapy was effective.

Akdis expressed optimism about these outcomes, stating, It is very promising. This approach could mean that adults with peanut allergies can be relieved of the anxiety of eating food contaminated with peanuts. However, he cautions that these results are preliminary, emphasizing the need for larger trials to confirm the findings and to understand how long the immunity lasts. Id expect youll need to take daily or regular doses of peanuts in the long term to maintain the tolerance to the allergen, Akdis suggests. People take pills every day, so I think people affected by peanut allergies may well be fine adhering to this sort of method.

As always, individuals are advised to consult with healthcare professionals before pursuing any new treatments for medical conditions.