by Jeff Grabmeier

A TEAM OF Australian researchers may have made progress in finding the cure to peanut allergies. Around 15 million children in the United States are allergic to food — meaning about two allergic kids are in every classroom.

In a relatively small study, scientists from the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute gave 30 allergic children small daily doses of peanut protein with a probiotic (Lactobacillus rhamnosus) in increasing amounts over 18 months. They gave a control group of 30 allergic children a placebo.

“Astoundingly, researchers found over 80 percent of children who received the oral immunotherapy treatment were able to tolerate peanut [sic] at the end of the trial, compared to less than 4 percent of the placebo group,” reads a press release. “This is 20 times higher than the natural rate of resolution for peanut allergy.”

23 of 28 (82.1 percent) probiotic treated children and one of 28 (3.6 percent) placebo-treated children were able to include peanut in their diet at the end of the trial. The likelihood of success was high – if nine children were given probiotic and peanut therapy, seven would benefit.

Lead researcher, Professor Mimi Tang said the study results are extremely exciting as they could potentially provide an effective treatment for food allergy.

“Many of the children and families believe it has changed their lives, they’re very happy, they feel relieved,” said lead researcher Mimi Tang. “These findings provide the first vital step towards developing a cure for peanut allergy and possibly other food allergies.” The next step is a follow-up study to see if the children can still tolerate peanuts years after the conclusion of the study.

“In the study the combined delivery of probiotic and oral immunotherapy was a safe and effective treatment for peanut allergy; however it is important to point out that this treatment must be only be given under close medical supervision as we are giving peanut to children who are allergic to peanut, and children did have allergic reactions. Nevertheless, the likelihood of success was high – if nine children were given probiotic and peanut therapy, seven would benefit,” said Tang.

Previous research has suggested that probiotics have potential in treating allergies. One such study, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in August, found that bacteria called Clostridia were effective in preventing mice from developing peanut allergies and reversing any peanut sensitivity already present in the animal.

In an interview with The Guardian, Tang underscored that parents should not attempt this treatment at home: “We would strongly advise against this. In our trial some children did experience allergic reactions, sometimes serious reactions.”