Peanut Extract
Also known as: Arachis hypogaea, peanut oil, peanut protein, Peanut Extract
Overview
Peanut extract is derived from *Arachis hypogaea*, the peanut plant, and is rich in proteins, healthy fats, and various micronutrients. It is primarily used in oral immunotherapy for peanut allergies, serving as both a nutritional supplement and ingredient in food products. Peanuts are cultivated globally, and their extract retains the high protein content along with potential allergenic properties. Current research focuses on the efficacy of peanut extract in allergy treatments, particularly immunotherapy, which shows promising results in desensitization but also presents considerable risks. While systematic reviews provide high-quality evidence for its use in allergy therapy, further research is warranted to understand broader health implications and effects outside allergen desensitization.
Benefits
1. **Desensitization**: Oral immunotherapy has been shown to significantly increase the desensitization of individuals with peanut allergies. High-certainty evidence suggests that patients undergoing treatment can experience increased tolerance to peanuts. However, this comes with an increased risk of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. 2. **Nutritional Supplementation**: There is limited and inconclusive evidence regarding the nutritional benefits of peanut extract, although it is a rich source of protein and healthy fats, suggesting potential advantages for overall nutrition. Overall, populations specifically benefiting from peanut extract include individuals with peanut allergies who undergo structured immunotherapy protocols, with effects observed after several months of increased exposure to controlled doses.
How it works
Peanut extract works primarily through immune system modulation, particularly by targeting IgE-mediated allergic responses. The extract promotes the tolerance mechanism via re-education of the immune system to the peanut allergens, thereby reducing hypersensitivity. While specific molecular targets of action have not been identified, the therapeutic effects result from its capacity to alter immune cell responses to peanut proteins, leading to a diminished allergic reaction over time.
Side effects
The safety profile of peanut extract is generally acceptable for nutritional usage; however, it poses significant risks in an allergy treatment context. Common side effects occurring in more than 5% of patients include allergic reactions, with severe allergic responses being a primary concern during immunotherapy. Gastrointestinal symptoms may occur in 1-5% of subjects, while rare side effects below 1% can include severe anaphylactic reactions. There is limited information on potential drug interactions. Care should particularly be taken for individuals with severe peanut allergies, contraindicating its use without proper medical guidance. Special caution is advised for children and those with a history of severe allergies due to heightened risks.
Dosage
The dosage of peanut extract varies widely based on the intended application. For immunotherapy, dosages start gradually under strict clinical supervision. Specific minimum effective dose levels may differ among individuals, and maximum dosage figures are not well defined for nutritional applications, given that safety thresholds can vary widely. Strict adherence to timing and gradual dosing protocols during immunotherapy is essential to avoid severe allergic reactions. Oral administration is the form used in both nutritional and therapeutic contexts, with normalization of dose timing being critical for treatment efficacy. As with any food-derived supplement, gastric digestion can significantly affect absorption.
FAQs
Is peanut extract safe for everyone?
No, peanut extract can cause severe allergic reactions in individuals with peanut allergies and should only be used under medical supervision.
Can peanut extract cure peanut allergies?
No, peanut extract is not a cure; however, it may help increase tolerance through immunotherapy.
How should I use peanut extract for allergy treatment?
Always follow a healthcare provider’s guidance on dosing and administration to ensure safety during immunotherapy.
What are the risks associated with peanut extract?
The primary risks include allergic reactions and anaphylaxis, especially during immune tolerance training.
How long does it take to notice benefits from peanut extract?
Immunotherapy benefits can generally be observed over several months of consistent treatment.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31030987/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of oral immunotherapy in increasing desensitization among peanut allergy patients, confirming significant outcomes while noting the high risk of adverse reactions.
- https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2802512 – This study focused on the early introduction of allergenic foods, revealing that it reduces the risk of IgE-mediated allergies among infants and children, providing valuable insights for peanut allergy risk management.
- https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/17/10 – This research discusses the implications of dietary patterns, including peanut and other allergenic foods, on allergy development, highlighting the importance of early introduction for reducing allergy risks.
Supplements Containing Peanut Extract
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