Children with peanut allergies are experiencing remarkable improvements in their conditions through a new trial that involves everyday foods as a form of treatment. The trial, funded by the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation with £2.5 million, has seen significant progress in patients with milk and peanut allergies.

The foundation was established by the parents of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, who tragically passed away in 2016 due to a severe allergic reaction to a Pret baguette containing sesame. In memory of Natasha, the foundation aims to advance research to find cures for allergies and advocate for changes in food laws.

Five NHS hospitals are participating in the clinical oral immunotherapy (OIT) trial, which focuses on gradually increasing patients’ tolerance to allergens over time using common foods. Under medical supervision, patients are given these foods to help build their tolerance, with the trial also involving training NHS staff to administer OIT treatment.

One of the participants, 11-year-old Thomas, who was diagnosed with a severe peanut allergy at the age of one, can now consume six peanuts daily after joining the trial in Southampton. His mother expressed how the trial has alleviated their anxiety surrounding food and praised the transformation it has brought to their lives.

Another success story from the trial is Grace, a five-year-old with a milk allergy, who can now enjoy 120ml of milk daily after participating in the trial in Newcastle. Her mother shared Grace’s progress and joy in being able to indulge in her favorite hot chocolates.

The trial, which has already treated 139 individuals aged two to 23 with peanut or cow’s milk allergies, is being conducted at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust.