Special toothpaste could save lives of people with peanut allergies

By Pol Allingham via SWNS

Special toothpaste could save the lives of people with peanut allergies, according to a new study.

The proposed product would contain tiny amounts of the nut to build patients’ immunity over time.

Every single participant in the trial tolerated the highest dose of the peanut toothpaste without any moderate or severe systemic reactions.

Some experienced a little itch in the mouth but it was mild and transient, an example of a non-systemic symptom.

Under the practice of Oral Mucosal Immunotherapy (OMIT), exposing people to their allergens will desensitize them and produce less of a reaction.

Speaking at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) Annual Scientific Meeting in Anaheim, California, allergy expert Dr. William Berger, from ACAAI, said: “OMIT uses a specially formulated toothpaste to deliver allergenic peanut proteins to areas of the oral cavity.

“OMIT as a delivery mechanism for peanut protein has great potential for food allergy desensitization. Due to its targeted delivery and simple administration, it supports the goal of improved adherence.

“We noted that 100 percent of those being treated with the toothpaste consistently tolerated the pre-specified protocol highest dose.

“No moderate nor severe systemic reactions occurred in active participants. Non-systemic adverse reactions were mostly local (oral itching), mild, and transient.

“There was 97 percent adherence to treatment with no dropouts due to study medication.

“OMIT appears to be a safe and convenient option for adults with food allergies.

“The results support continued development of this toothpaste in the pediatric population.”

According to ACAAI, an allergic reaction to the nut could feature vomiting, stomach cramps, wheezing, difficulty breathing, and a repetitive cough, dizziness and confusion.

Systemic reactions affect entire organ systems.

The study by ACAAI included 32 people with peanut allergies aged 18 to 55.

They used the toothpaste treatment and a placebo control in a ratio of three to one during the 48-week trial.

Participants brushed their teeth with an increasingly strong dose of peanut toothpaste or a peanut-free product.

Safety was monitored throughout, as well as blood test to check how the person’s immune system is responding to an allergen.