The findings suggest there’s a window of opportunity” early in life when treatment could have a lasting impact, said Dr. Stacie Jones, a study co-author from the University of Arkansas for Medical Services. But she said more research is needed to determine how long the effect might continue.
Young children might be able to overcome their peanut allergies if treated at an early enough age, according to a study published Thursday, the Washington Post reports.
The researchers gave increasing amounts of peanut protein powder to a group of toddlers to build up their tolerance for peanuts. After 2 1/2 years, close to three-quarters could tolerate the equivalent of 16 peanuts without an allergic reaction. Six months after treatment stopped, one-fifth still had the same tolerance.
The approach seemed to work best in the youngest children and those with milder allergies, the researchers reported Thursday in the journal Lancet.
The findings suggest there’s a window of opportunity” early in life when treatment could have a lasting impact, said Dr. Stacie Jones, a study co-author from the University of Arkansas for Medical Services. But she said more research is needed to determine how long the effect might continue.
A treatment for peanut allergies already exists but it is only approved for ages 4 and older, and the protection it provides
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