Current Directions in Peanut Allergy Research

The American peanut industry actively supports scientific research on effective measures which may reduce or even eliminate peanut allergy in the future. This section summarises major research initiatives on peanut allergens and signposts to sources of further information. This is a rapidly changing field and visiting the websites of the projects mentioned below is the recommended way to find the latest information.

Disclaimer: Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional. The information in this section is believed to be correct at the time of publication. The American Peanut Council recommends anyone wishing to find out more about food allergies to make contact with one of the specialist organizations.

Food Allergy Resources

DFAI (Duke Food Allergy Initiative)

Based at Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, North Carolina, the DFAI supports a number of clinical intervention studies to reduce the risks of peanut allergy, including “Mucosal Immunotherapy for Peanut Allergy in Young Children” using immunotherapy to reduce sensitization to peanut protein in susceptible infants (9 – 36 months) and an oral immunotherapy (OIT) trial of children 1-6 years with peanut allergy to see if exposure to peanut protein induces long term tolerance.

Similar investigations into oral immunotherapy with children and teenagers who have peanut allergy have been successfully undertaken at the University of Cambridge (UK) in a three year desensitization program. Researchers are currently focused on how the results from OIT can become a widely available clinical treatment.

LEAP Project (Learning Early about Peanut Allergy Project)

The LEAP study is a randomised clinical intervention study running in London seeking to answer the question of whether consumption of peanut from an early age (4 to 10 months) by infants at high risk of developing peanut allergy may prevent the development of clinical allergy by tolerising them to the peanut allergens. Results should be available in 2013.

EuroPrevall

A European Union funded multi-national study coordinated in the UK looking at the prevalence, cost and basis for food allergy – including peanuts and tree nuts - across 24 countries and the quality of life of those with food allergies. Publications from data collected between 2005-2009 are now appearing.

EAT (Enquiring about Tolerance) Project

The EAT study is a large clinical intervention trial running in London seeking to discover whether early introduction of allergenic foods, including peanut, into the diets of young children, alongside continued breastfeeding, leads to a reduction in food allergies by age three. The conclusions will help understanding of the introduction of allergenic foods into the weaning diet.

Further information about food allergy research and peanut allergy research in particular can be found by visiting the following sites.

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (US)

NIAID supports efforts to help better understand, prevent, and manage allergy disorders that affect approximately 5 percent of children and 4 percent of adults in the United States.

Food Allergy Initiative (US)

FAI’s goal is to fund research that seeks a cure; to improve diagnosis and treatment; to increase federal funding of food allergy research and create safer environments through advocacy; and to raise awareness through education.

Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network Research Highlights (US)

FAAN is a trusted source of information, programs, and resources related to food allergy and anaphylaxis.

CoFAR (Consortium of Food Allergy Research) (US)

The Consortium of Food Allergy Research (CoFAR) was established in July 2005 by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) to conduct both observational and clinical studies to answer questions related to food allergies.

UK Food Standards Agency (UK)

The Food Standards Agency is an independent Government department set up by an Act of Parliament in 2000 to protect the public's health and consumer interests in relation to food. The FSA is responsible for food safety and food hygiene across the UK. It also protects consumers through effective food enforcement and monitoring. Here is their database of completed projects.

UK Health Education Trust (UK)

The Health Education Trust is dedicated to initiating and supporting work with children and teenagers, young adults, students, and pupils to encourage the growth of healthy lifestyles.

Food Allergy FAQs

Many people report they suffer from some form of food allergy. In reality, the actual percentage of true food allergic individuals is much lower than people perceive—perhaps 2% of the population.

Peanut Allergy White Paper

The focus of this white paper is to present the current science on peanut allergy, while placing it in the context of food allergy overall.

Food Allergy Resources

The U.S. Peanut Industry works closely with consumers and industry organizations to address peanut allergy concerns.

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