Australian scientists may have found a way to end life-threatening peanut allergies.
A study by the Murdoch Children's Research Institute in Melbourne seemingly cured 80% of allergy-stricken participants after a daily dose of peanut protein and a probiotic for 18 months.
The dosage of the Lactobacillus rhamnosus probiotic was the equivalent of eating 20kg of yoghurt each day. Of the 28 children involved in the study, 23 were able to eat peanuts with no reaction after completing the course.
The Murdoch Children's Research Institute at the Royal Children's Hospital
"Many of the children and families believe it has changed their lives, they're very happy," said Associate Professor Mimi Tang.
"These findings provide the first vital step towards developing a cure for peanut allergy and possibly other food allergies."
The scientists now need to find out if the results are temporary or long-lasting, and have warned against people attempting the treatment at home.
"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," Tang said.
"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."
Peanuts are the most common cause of food allergy related deaths worldwide.
