Boiling peanuts for up to 12 hours could help overcome children’s allergic reactions according to the results of a clinical trial at Flinders University and SAHMRI which found up to 80% of children with peanut allergy became desensitised to eating peanuts.
The clinical trial, which was funded by the Channel 7 Children’s Research Foundation and published in the journal Clinical & Experimental Allergy, tested whether a therapy delivering sequential doses of boiled peanuts, followed by roasted peanuts, may help children overcome their peanut allergies.
The trial built on previous research conducted by senior author and Flinders University’s College of Medicine and Public Health Associate Professor Tim Chataway showing that heat affects the protein structure and allergic properties of peanuts, meaning they were less likely to cause a severe allergic reaction.
“Small and increasing doses of boiled nuts were first given to children to partially desensitise them, and when they showed no signs of an allergic reaction, increasing doses of roasted peanuts were then provided to increase their tolerance in the next stage of treatment.”
EXCLUSIVE: There is new hope for children with peanut allergies with Adelaide scientists discovering a potential cure. The life-changing research found boiling the nuts first helps desensitise kids to the tasty but often dangerous snack. https://t.co/8ftPfGh39Y
