Common bacteria could help prevent food allergies

ConclusionThis research examined how normal populations of gut bacteria influence mouse susceptibility to peanut allergens. The findings suggest the Clostridia group of bacteria may have a particular role in altering the immune defenses of the gut lining and preventing some of the food allergen entering the bloodstream. The findings inform the theory that our increasingly sterile environments and increased use of antibiotics could lead to a reduction in our normal gut bacteria, which could possibly lead to people developing a sensitivity to allergens.But these findings are in the very early stages. So far, only mice have been studied, and only their reactions to peanuts. We don't know whether similar results would be seen with other tree nuts or other foods that can cause an allergic response. Also, although this research provides a theory, we do not know whether this theory is correct. We don't know, for example, whether people with a peanut allergy do (or did) have reduced levels of certain gut bacteria populations and whether this contributed to the development of their allergy. We also do not know whether treatments that reintroduce these bacteria could help reduce the allergy. As the researchers say, the study does open an avenue of further study into the possible development of probiotic treatments, but there is a long way to go.  Professor Colin Hill, a microbiologist at University College Cork, was quoted by the BBC as saying: "It is a very exciting paper and pu...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Food/diet Medical practice Source Type: news