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For the majority of the population, peanuts are a highly nutritious food. However, peanut allergy has received considerable attention in recent months. In surveys conducted in the UK, many people reported 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 only 2% of the population. The main foods which are associated with food allergy are milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat and soya1.
The peanut industry is working closely with manufacturers, government, research and consumer organisations to encourage education and responsible labelling of food products. In this way, those who suffer from a nut allergy are able to make an informed decision about the foods they consume. Following are several facts about food allergies in general and peanut allergies in particular.
Exactly what is a food allergy?
A food allergy is any reaction to an otherwise harmless food or food component that involves the body's immune system. A reaction occurs when the body's immune system responds abnormally to the protein or proteins in that particular food. The body reacts by flooding the system with histamines and other chemicals to fight off what is perceived as an invader in the body. Reactions to food or food ingredients that do not involve the immune system are called food intolerance or sensitivity.
Is peanut allergy dangerous?
Although an allergic reaction is nearly twice as likely to occur from milk and eggs than from peanuts, allergic reactions to nuts and peanuts can be severe. In a small number of individuals, peanut and nut allergies are potentially life-threatening.
Do allergies run in the family?
Recent surveys indicate an increased likelihood of children being allergic if there is a family history of allergies or atopic disorders (respiratory problems such as asthma, hayfever or skin disorders such as eczema). There is no evidence that becoming sensitised to foods such as peanuts alone specifically runs in families. If an infant or child has other food allergies, or has a family history of food or other allergies, withholding introduction of peanuts until after three years of age is recommended 2, 3.
Should peanut oil be avoided?
The process of refining oil removes peanut protein, which is responsible for triggering an allergic reaction. Peanut oil (sometimes labelled as Arachis or Groundnut oil) is commonly used as a component in vegetable oil, as a carrier in processed foods or as an emulsifier/lubricant in cosmetics. Studies have shown no detectable protein in refined peanut oil4, and no reaction among peanut allergy sufferers to the refined oil. However, unrefined or crude oils or oil that has been used to cook peanuts do contain protein and should therefore be avoided.
Is allergy research being conducted?
Research is underway to better identify those characteristics which trigger allergic reactions in particular individuals, in order to provide pro-active information on the management of food allergies and minimise severe reactions.
Research has been on-going for some time to find a vaccine against peanut allergy. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, USA have been testing an oral vaccine on mice to help desensitise them to the allergens found in peanuts. Although the research is preliminary, it does offer hope that it may be feasible in the near future to use a vaccine to treat peanut allergy in people. The first goal will be to treat people who are already sensitised to peanuts, but it is hoped that a vaccine will be developed which will block the development of the allergy in people without symptoms.
Another focus of research is to determine the possibility of modifying the protein in peanuts which triggers an allergic reaction. This could ultimately lead to cultivation of a non-allergenic variety. Although considerable progress has been made, many of these research efforts will take several years to complete. Until then, avoidance is the best prevention of reactions among food allergy sufferers.
Are nut products always labelled?
While not required under current EU regulations, many food manufacturers and retailers have decided to voluntarily label products which contain nuts, including peanuts. The most difficult area to control is in a restaurant or catering establishment where non-packaged food is not labelled for the consumer. In these situations, consumers should always ask if there are peanuts or peanut products in the recipe when ordering. If any doubt remains, that food or location should be avoided.
As a pregnant/breast-feeding woman, should I avoid eating peanuts?
The data regarding sensitisation during pregnancy or breast-feeding is inconclusive with regard to peanut allergy. As a precautionary measure, the Department of Health issued advice5 on June 17, 1998, that "pregnant or breast-feeding women who suffer from diagnosed allergic conditions, or where the father or a sibling of the child has a clinical history of such conditions, may wish to avoid eating peanuts and food containing peanut products." DOH further stated that "there is no reason for pregnant or nursing mothers who do not fall into this category to avoid eating peanuts."
Should I let my toddler eat peanuts?
It has been recommended that where the child has other food allergies or there is a diagnosed family history of atopy, food or other allergies, introduction of potential food allergens should be avoided until three years of age. Children under 5 years of age should not be given any type of whole nut due to the risk of choking.
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For further information and advice regarding peanut allergy contact:
The Anaphylaxis Campaign
PO BOX 275
Farnborough
Hampshire
GU14 6SX
Tel: UK 01252 542 029
www.anaphylaxis.org.uk
British Allergy Foundation
Deepdene House
30 Bellegrove Road
Welling
Kent
DA16 3BY
Enquiries: UK 020 8303 8525
Help Line: UK 020 8303 8583
www.allergyfoundation.com
Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network
10400 Eaton Place,
Suite 107
Fairfax, Virginia 22030
USA
Tel: 001 703 691-3179
Fax: 001 703 691-2713
www.foodallergy.org
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