Peanut protein drops could cure nut allergies
Experts believe they may have discovered a potential cure for nut allergies in children.
As part of a study carried out at the Duke University Hospital in North Carolina, children were given drops of peanut protein under their tongue every day.
Researchers found the drops enabled the children tested, who were aged between one and 11, to gradually build up a resistance and tolerance to peanuts.
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Out of the 18 children that were tested, 11 were given peanut protein drops while the remaining seven were taking dummy drops.
After being given daily peanut drops for a period of a year, the 11 children had built up such a resistance they were able to consume five to 10 peanuts a day.
Meanwhile, the participants given the dummy drops were unable to tolerate even one peanut.
It is the first time that scientists have tested the effects of peanut drops as a potential cure to nut allergies.
Peanut flour has previously been used in other similar studies, but experts say peanut drops have fewer side effect.
Dr Edwin Kim, who headed up the study, said: “We have seen very promising results from this trial.”