Peanut allergies are one of the most common food allergies worldwide, affecting 1-2% of the population. Traditionally, those with peanut allergies are advised to completely avoid peanuts. However, a new study led by Dr. Scott Sicherer from the Mount Sinai Department of Pediatrics suggests that for some children, eating peanut butter in small, controlled doses—under medical supervision—could help them overcome their allergy.
A Breakthrough in Peanut Allergy Research
Until now, most peanut allergy research has focused on individuals with severe reactions, recommending total avoidance of peanuts. However, Dr. Sicherer points out that allergies exist on a spectrum—not everyone reacts the same way.
“Some might have one peanut or five peanuts before they start to react,” Sicherer explained.
The Study: How It Worked
The clinical trial at Mount Sinai involved 73 children aged 4 to 14 who could tolerate at least half a peanut without severe reactions. These children were randomly divided into two groups:
- Avoidance Group: Continued to avoid peanuts altogether.
- Treatment Group: Consumed gradually increasing doses of store-bought peanut butter over 18 months under medical supervision.
Promising Results from the Peanut Allergy Study
The results were surprising:
- Nearly all children in the treatment group were eventually able to tolerate the equivalent of a peanut butter sandwich—about 35 peanuts in total.
- The avoidance group, by contrast, showed no improvement in their tolerance levels.
Dr. Sicherer expressed his optimism:
“I was a bit shocked at how well this worked.”
Who Can Benefit from This Treatment?
Mount Sinai researchers estimate that around 800,000 children in the U.S. with high-threshold peanut allergies—those who don’t react immediately to small amounts—could potentially benefit from this approach.
Important Warning: Don’t Try This at Home
While the study shows promise, Dr. Sicherer emphasizes that this treatment should only be done under medical supervision. Attempting to introduce peanuts at home without guidance from an allergist can be dangerous and may trigger severe allergic reactions.
Real-Life Impact: Jackson Esteves’ Story
For Jackson Esteves, a 10-year-old from Bayville, New Jersey, the trial was life-changing. Diagnosed with multiple food allergies—including peanuts, eggs, sesame, tree nuts, and dairy—since he was just 11 months old, Jackson and his family had lived with constant caution around food.
His mother, Holly Esteves, described their daily life:
“A food allergy parent lives in this sort of hypervigilant state all the time.”
Now, after participating in the trial, Jackson can safely enjoy peanut butter—a food that was once off-limits.
“Getting over the peanut allergy was incredible,” Jackson shared.
What’s Next for Peanut Allergy Research?
The study was funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and could lead to further research on gradually building tolerance for other food allergies. Dr. Sicherer hopes this successful trial encourages similar studies for different allergens, potentially offering relief to millions of allergy sufferers worldwide.
