Hypoallergenic peanuts?

by Nick Vagnoni, Posted Jan 26th 2006 @ 12:47PM

Well, not exactly. Scientists are working with an enzyme found in fruits and vegetables that may prove useful in lessening severe allergic reactions to peanuts. In lab tests, the enzyme polyphenol oxidase (PPO) changed the proteins in peanut extracts such that they couldn't bind with certain antibodies and cause an allergic reaction. Still, this was only true for two of the eight allergens found in peanuts, and tests on animals or humans are far off. The goal of the current research is not to develop peanut products that are intended for those with peanut allergies, but to lower the risk of severe reactions if someone were to accidentally consume peanuts.

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Filed Under: Science, Ingredients
Tags: allergy, enzyme, hypoallergenic, nuts, peanut, reaction, research, seeds

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Reader comments (Page 1 of 1)

1-26-2006 @1:21PM make money on ebay said... That still wouldn't. People who are fatally allergic to a food develop a hatred for it. In other words i still wouldn't eat it.
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1-26-2006 @3:51PM Beth said... I agree. I'm not fatally allergice to peanuts, but they thought I was when I was little, when my migraines started. Now I only tolerate cashews and peanuts, and loathe all other nuts.
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1-30-2006 @11:59AM Robin said... I would have a hard time ever eating them again, too. Every time I accidentally eat a little it tastes disgusting to me. Although I did like boiled peanuts when I was little (I think something about the boiling gets rid of the allergen), but after my latest outbreak I don't think I would risk even them again. I do still enjoy other nuts, like almonds, walnuts and pecans. But I also have reactions to cashews and pitachios.
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