Brit scientists find peanut allergy 'cure'

London, Feb 20 (ANI): In a breakthrough study, scientists have successfully cured peanut allergy by building up children's tolerance to the oval-shaped nut.

The research team from Cambridge's Addenbrooke's Hospital exposed four children to peanuts over a six-month period, gradually building up their tolerance.

By the end the children were eating the equivalent of five peanuts a day.

"Every time people with a peanut allergy want something, they're frightened that it might kill them," The BBC quoted Dr Andy Clark, who led the research as saying.

"Our motivation was to find a treatment that would change that and give them the confidence to eat what they like. It's all about quality of life.

"It's not a permanent cure, but as long as they go on taking a daily dose they should maintain their tolerance," he added.

During the study, researchers at first exposed the children to tiny 5mg daily doses of peanut flour. The dose was later increased to 800mg - almost equal to five whole peanuts - to build up the tolerance.

John Collard, the clinical director of Allergy UK, said it was "an important step forward".

"This could make a real difference, but at this stage it is too early to tell whether it will work for everyone," he said.

We need to see it used on more people and over a long period of time," he added.

However, the research team claimed that follow up is now needed to confirm the findings.

The study has been published in the journal Allergy. (ANI)