Peanut and tree nut allergies affect millions worldwide, and Australia is no exception. In fact, Australia has one of the highest allergy rates globally.

Allergy symptoms can vary from mild itching and sneezing to anaphylaxis - the most severe reaction where the immune system overreacts, potentially leading to death. Until now, the only treatment has been strict avoidance.

But new research suggests that early exposure to nuts could be the key to prevention.

Dr Vicki McWilliam discusses the theories behind Australia's high allergy rates and the ways to help prevent allergies from developing. She then expertly explains significant research in the field, including trials focused on treatments and potential cures for peanut allergies.

Access episode webpage: https://www.nutsforlife.com.au/resource/episode-45-nut-allergy-prevention-management-the-research/

About today's guest

Dr Vicki McWilliam is a Clinician-Scientist Fellow at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute, a Senior Dietitian at the Royal Children's Hospital and a Senior Research Fellow in the Department of Paediatrics at the University of Melbourne.

Dr McWilliam is also an Associate Investigator for the Centre of Food Allergy Research and a member of the National Allergy Centre of Excellence Food Allergy Advisory Group.

Supporting resources

HealthNuts study

https://lifecourse.melbournechildrens.com/cohorts/healthnuts/#overview

EarlyNuts study

https://lifecourse.melbournechildrens.com/cohorts/earlynuts/

Study: Follow-up to Adolescence after Early Peanut Introduction for Allergy Prevention (published May 2024)

https://evidence.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/EVIDoa2300311

Websites

https://allergyfacts.org.au/

https://foodallergyaware.org.au/

https://www.nace.org.au/research/food-allergy/

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Credits:

Host - Belinda Neville

Contact us: [email protected]