Low-dose peanut allergy therapy

According to a study conducted by the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and the Montreal Children’s Hospital in Canada, children allergic to peanuts could not needing large doses of oral immunotherapy to increase your protection.

The research, published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunologycompared low doses (30 mg) with standard dose (300 mg) and with a group that completely avoided peanuts. The results were revealing: Children who received the minimum dose increased their allergic reaction threshold similarly to the standard dose groupproving that even small amounts train the immune system effectively.

One of the key advantages of this minimum dose is that causes fewer adverse reactions and no child abandoned treatmentsomething common when the doses are high and the taste of peanuts is unpleasant. Dr. Thomas Eiwegger, co-author of the study, explains: “This dose is small enough that even children who do not like the taste can continue treatment“.

For Dr. Julia Upton, co-lead author, the finding opens the door to safer and more adaptable protocols: “The more options we have, the better we can support the patient experience and provide meaningful, personalized care.” According to the research team, some families may choose to keep the dose lowwhile others could increase it over time according to your objectives.

An important step for Canada and the world

In Canada, near the 2% of children and adults suffer from peanut allergiesa problem that contributes to a growing number of hospital admissions. With this new evidence, the Oral immunotherapy could reach more children safelyreducing risks and improving the quality of life of those who live with this allergy.

Dr. Moshe Ben-Shoshan, a pediatric allergy specialist and co-author of the study, summarizes the central idea: “Very small amounts, which are associated with fewer reactions, could be used as effectively as large amounts for oral immunotherapy, making it safer and more accessible for more canadians, even those who are very sensitive to the allergen“.