Posted on 01/29/2015 10:20:18 AM PST by Red Badger
(Newser) – As many as three million Americans may be allergic to peanuts, the Huffington Post has reported, with one study suggesting that the number of kids with the allergy doubled between 1997 and 2002. But those who are affected may have a reason to smile: A new study could point the way to a cure for the condition, the Australian Associated Press reports via the Guardian. For a year and a half, 30 kids with the allergy were given peanut protein plus a probiotic every day; another 30 received a placebo, researchers at the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute report.
The amount of the probiotic, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, stayed the same throughout the study; it was the amount you'd get from eating a whopping 44 pounds of yogurt every day, the AAP notes. The amount of peanut protein given per day was gradually increased. "Astoundingly," researchers say, by the end of the study, 80% of kids with allergies getting the treatment could "tolerate peanut." Only 4% of the placebo group could. "Many of the children and families believe it has changed their lives; they’re very happy," says a researcher. "These findings provide the first vital step towards developing a cure for peanut allergy and possibly other food allergies." Experts are planning further research to look at longer-term effects. But, the researcher says, don't try it at home: Some kids had serious allergic reactions during the course of the study.
Gardening Ping?.........................
I’m a lot more curious about where the great surge in peanut allergies came from.
There were always a few people with peanut allergies around but it was never quite so dire.
This is a general stat: About 20 people die from food allergies every year.
Allergy doesn't mean "death".
I’m also curious about this outbreak of peanut allergies-what is in those peanuts-insecticides? Or is it just more wussification?
This is going to break a lot of drama momma hearts.
You are so correct-it means terrified parents will pay big bucks to allergists...
There is a class in my wife’s elementary school that is peanut free due to one person having an allergy. My nine old lives on th estuff and I would have promptly moved him if he landed in there.
Does this mean that children will be able to have a PBJ at school again?
This would be huge. I know a few people with peanut allergies and it is terrible.
Children’s food allergies are up 18% in the last 15+ years.
A number of theories:
USA kids grow up not being exposed to enough dirt *remember playing in sandboxes and making dirt mud pies years ago?
Toddlers do not develop a strong immune system because parents hold off exposing them to a wide variety of foods prior to age two.
See UK / Israeli peanut exposure in early childhood reference, below.
Details:
http://fooddrugallergy.ucla.edu/body.cfm?id=40
http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/08/03/food.allergies.er.gut/
Studies have shown that babies who play outdoors wearing only a diaper, and put all sorts of things in their mouths, almost never get these allergies.
One difference I can attest to is consumption of 'diet' products, particularly diet sodas.
Our first two children were born prior (mid '80s) to aspartame becoming widely available in consumables. After having the first two children, the effort to keep added weight off became a challenge and products which advertised their 'diet' friendly qualities were tempting, sought out and consumed regularly.
Not only didn't these 'diet' products live up to their ads, both children born in the '90's exhibited early onset allergies to eggs, wheat, black olives, shellfish and all nuts including peanuts.
Fortunately, their allergies aren't as bad as some. One of my non-allergic children survived on peanut butter because of a disdain for meat. Because of this, the younger allergic children always had a miniscule and persistent exposure to the scent of peanuts as well as any residue on flatware, counter space, dishes that shared the sink &/or dishwasher with peanut contaminated items. The allergic children can be in the same room, at the same table and next to someone consuming peanut products without any symptoms. They would have to consume some peanut product, or a product which has been cross contaminated to exhibit any symptoms (swelling of throat and hives around face). For instance, one child was rushed by ambulance to the ER because he consumed some Cheezits crackers that were manufactured in a facility that processed peanuts and treenuts.
Is there a connection - I can't say for certain. But I remain highly suspicious about artificial sweeteners playing a part in this explosion of food allergies.
Peanut allergies are real and often fatal...............
I think a lot of parents just want to feed their kids cheaply instead of healthfully. I'm a mom to three youngsters (6 and under), and I hear parents counting down to the end of expensive formulas and baby food. It's a race to get them hotdogs and boxed Mac and cheese. Gross.
Maybe in a few decades. PB&J is probably on the list of banned foods by order of the Mook-in-Chief............
Call me cynical, but I think the actual cause of the rampant peanut allergy problem is the fact that it gives liberal petty tyrants more power over everyone.
Just like government grants cause anthropogenic global warming.
Here’s an anecdote for you: The school in which I teach had to convert all drink machines to “diet.” Since then I’ve noticed more students on crutches and in costs than I have ever noticed.
*casts
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