The results
of
these
experiments
show
that
AC
may
be
a
useful
treatment
to
slow
or
prevent
absorption
of
peanut
allergens
from
the
gut
after
accidental
ingestion
by
persons
with
peanut
allergy.
The rapid
adsorption
of
soluble
protein
and
the continuous
binding
of
protein
released
from
peanut
particulate
material
is
a
strong
indication
of
the
potential
efficacy
of
using
AC
for
initial
gastric
decontamination
and
potential
elimination
of
a biphasic
reaction.
Two
factors
remain
to
be
addressed:
(1) ascertain
whether
adsorption
onto
AC
can
be
applied
to
allergenic
proteins
as
a
safe,
practical,
and
efficient
method
of
reducing
the bioavailability
of
these
allergens
after
accidental
ingestion
and (2)
determine
any
additional
matrix
effects
present
when
peanut
is
only
one
of
several
components
in
a
food
source.
If
the efficacy
of
binding
peanut
allergens
with
AC
can
be
demonstrated
in
humans,
another
clinical
tool
may
become
available
to
expand
clinical
treatment
options
for
hypersensitivity
reactions
to
peanuts.
Although
the focus
in
these
studies
has
been
on
peanuts,
this
same
concept
should
be
applicable
to
other
food
allergies.