It might sound surprising, but a new study suggests that peanuts could actually help treat peanut allergies in adults. This groundbreaking research shows that adults who are allergic to peanuts can be safely desensitised by eating peanuts under medical supervision.
The study, called the Grown Up Peanut Immunotherapy (GUPI) trial, was led by researchers at King’s College London and Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. It tested whether adults with peanut allergies could tolerate peanuts over time, gradually building up their tolerance.
In this trial, two-thirds of the participants were able to eat the equivalent of five peanuts without any allergic reactions. This is the first study to test whether adults with severe peanut allergies can safely eat peanuts when given small amounts under close supervision. The results were published in the journal Allergy.
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This method, known as oral immunotherapy, has been used successfully with children in other studies. This new trial shows that adults can also benefit from this treatment, which could improve their quality of life. During the trial, the average amount of peanuts participants could tolerate increased 100 times.
Professor Stephen Till, who led the study, explained that people with peanut allergies live in constant fear of life-threatening reactions. They have to avoid peanuts at all costs and carry emergency medication like adrenaline in case of accidental exposure. Although peanut immunotherapy has been shown to work for children, this new trial shows that it can also work for adults. It could help them live with less fear and lead a more normal life.
The trial involved 21 adults aged 18 to 40, all of whom had been diagnosed with severe peanut allergies. The participants were given small doses of peanut flour in a controlled environment, starting with a tiny amount and gradually increasing the dosage over time. If they tolerated the peanuts, they continued the treatment at home, eating a little more each day. By the end of the trial, many participants were able to eat the equivalent of five peanuts without any allergic reactions.
The next step for researchers is to confirm these results with larger studies. They also plan to identify which adults would benefit the most from this treatment and see if it can lead to long-term tolerance to peanuts.
For the participants, the results were life-changing. Many said their quality of life improved, and they no longer lived in constant fear of peanut exposure. One participant, Chris, 28, who had been allergic to peanuts since childhood, said he was now able to eat peanuts every day without worry. “I used to be terrified of even a trace of peanut, but now I can eat four peanuts at a time, and I feel safe,” he said.
This research gives hope to many adults with peanut allergies, showing that with the right treatment, they could one day eat peanuts safely.
