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.