Science Friday Microdosing Peanut Butter Could Alleviate Some Peanut Allergies
11 snips
Apr 7, 2025 Dr. Scott Sicherer, Director of the Jaffe Food Allergy Institute at Mount Sinai Hospital, sheds light on the alarming rise of peanut allergies among children, with rates tripling over the past two decades. He discusses innovative research where microdosing peanut butter significantly increases tolerance in children without severe reactions. The conversation covers various treatments, the importance of early exposure to allergens, and the nuances between food allergies and intolerances, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in food allergy advancements.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Rising Food Allergies
- Food allergies are increasing, a study showed peanut allergy rates doubling and then tripling over a decade.
- This rise coincides with similar trends in other countries like Canada and Australia.
Hygiene Hypothesis
- The "hygiene hypothesis" suggests a link between increased industrialization and rising allergy rates.
- Cleaner environments and processed foods may leave our immune systems with less to do, leading them to overreact to harmless substances.
Allergy vs. Intolerance
- Food allergies are immune responses, while intolerances are metabolic issues like lactose intolerance.
- Celiac disease, though sometimes called gluten intolerance, is different from a typical intolerance.