Blog 5: Article

Alexandra Sifferlin, of Time magazine, published an article on January 30, 2014. In the interesting article, “Scientists Fighting Peanut Allergies with Peanuts” Sifferlin discusses how peanut allergies might be prevented with surprisingly, peanuts! In new studies and experiments, it is shown that the consumption of peanut flour will actually reduce reactions and allergies to peanuts. Studies done in a children’s hospital in the UK show, that kids participating in the experiment with peanut flour, were able to comfortably eat peanuts within only six short months. AT the end of this trial, almost half of the children who participated were able to eat about five peanuts at a time, without facing dangerous allergic reactions. The goal of this newly designed treatment is not to completely cure the children of their allergic reactions to peanuts, but to strengthen their immune system, so they do not face dangerous and possibly life threatening consequences if they for any reason accidentally eat or come into contact with peanuts.

          These treatments are not only beneficial to the children, but their families as well. Families in the US are spends about twenty five billion dollars a year for treatments regarding allergies. These new and innovative antidotes will save families from reading labels on every single product they buy, but most importantly save them quite some money as well.