Safety of Refined Peanut
Abstract Peanut allergies are one of the most severe allergies, often leading to strict dietary regulations, including the avoidance of Peanut oil. This study was conducted to check whether refined peanut oil triggers allergic reactions in individuals with peanut allergies.
Methods: A double-blind crossover trial was conducted with ten participants who had documented severe allergic reactions to peanuts. Participants ingested either refined peanut oil or a control oil (olive oil) in varying dosages under medical supervision. Skin tests were also performed prior to ingestion.
Results: No allergic reactions, immediate or delayed, were observed in any participant following the ingestion of refined peanut oil.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that refined peanut oil does not pose a risk to peanut-sensitive individuals, suggesting potential implications for food labelling regulations.
Introduction
Peanut allergies are among the most common and severe food allergies, with symptoms ranging from urticaria (hives) to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Current guidelines advise individuals with peanut allergies to avoid all forms of peanuts, including peanut oil, due to the potential presence of allergenic proteins. However, refining processes typically remove these proteins, potentially rendering refined peanut oil safe for consumption by peanut-allergic individuals. This study aims to evaluate the allergenicity of refined peanut oil in peanut-sensitive individuals.
Methods
A double-blind crossover trial was employed to assess the safety of refined peanut oil in individuals with peanut allergies. The study included ten participants with a history of severe allergic reactions to peanuts, including symptoms such as generalized urticaria, angioedema, abdominal cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, bronchospasm, and anaphylactic shock. All participants had elevated levels of serum IgE antibodies to both crude peanut extract and the purified peanut allergen, Peanut-I.
Each participant was tested on two separate occasions, ingesting either refined peanut oil or a control oil (olive oil) in capsule form. The dosages were administered in 1 ml, 2 ml, and 5 ml amounts at 30-minute intervals under constant medical supervision. Prior to ingestion, participants underwent skin tests with both oils to assess immediate hypersensitivity.
Results
The study found that none of the participants experienced allergic reactions following the ingestion of refined peanut oil, whether immediate or delayed. Skin tests conducted prior to ingestion showed no positive reactions to either refined peanut oil or the control oil. These results suggest that refined peanut oil does not contain detectable levels of allergenic proteins that would trigger an allergic response in peanut-sensitive individuals.
Discussion
These findings challenge the current assumption that all peanut products, including peanut oil, must be avoided by individuals with peanut allergies. The lack of allergic reactions observed in this study highlights the effectiveness of the refining process in removing allergenic proteins from peanut oil. Given that the major allergens in peanuts are proteins typically removed during refining, refined peanut oil is highly unlikely to contain these allergenic proteins.
Implications for Food Labeling
The results of this study have significant implications for food labeling regulations. Many food products currently include warnings about peanut oil content, which may contribute to unnecessary dietary restrictions and anxiety for peanut-sensitive individuals. This research suggests that such labels may be unnecessary for refined peanut oil, potentially leading to revised labeling guidelines that better reflect the safety of refined oils.
Caution with Unrefined Oils
It is important to note that the findings of this study apply specifically to refined peanut oil. Unrefined or cold-pressed peanut oils, which may retain allergenic proteins, still pose a risk and should be avoided by individuals with peanut allergies.
Future Research
Further research is warranted to confirm these findings across different brands and refining processes of peanut oil. Additionally, studies on the allergenicity of other refined edible oils, such as soybean and coconut oil, could broaden the understanding of safe oil consumption for individuals with various food allergies.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates that refined peanut oil does not trigger allergic reactions in individuals with peanut allergies, suggesting it can be safely included in their diets. These findings have the potential to influence food labeling regulations, reducing unnecessary restrictions for peanut-sensitive individuals. As always, individuals with severe allergies should consult with their healthcare providers before making dietary changes.
Source
Taylor SL, Busse WW, Sachs MI, Parker JL, Yunginger JW. Peanut oil is not allergenic to peanut-sensitive individuals. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1981 Nov;68(5):372-5. doi: 10.1016/0091-6749(81)90135-4. PMID: 7299001.
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