Randomised, double blind, crossover challenge study of allergenicity of peanut oils in subjects allergic to peanuts.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the in vivo allergenicity of two grades of peanut oil for a large group of subjects with proved allergy to peanuts.


METHODS
Double blind, crossover food challenge with crude peanut oil and refined peanut oil.


METHODS
Dedicated clinical investigation unit in a university hospital.


METHODS
60 subjects allergic to peanuts; allergy was confirmed by challenge tests.


METHODS
Allergic reaction to the tested peanut oils.


RESULTS
None of the 60 subjects reacted to the refined oil; six (10%) reacted to the crude oil. Supervised peanut challenge caused considerably less severe reactions than subjects had reported previously.


CONCLUSIONS
Crude peanut oil caused allergic reactions in 10% of allergic subjects studied and should continue to be avoided. Refined peanut oil did not pose a risk to any of the subjects. It would be reasonable to recommend a change in labelling to distinguish refined from crude peanut oil.
Hourihane
J O
JO
University Department of Child Health, Southampton General Hospital.
Bedwani
S J
SJ
Dean
T P
TP
Warner
J O
JO
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D010367:Arachis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004042:Dietary Fats, Unsaturated / Q000009:adverse effects; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005512:Food Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D005515:Food Labeling; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010938:Plant Oils / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000737:chemistry; D012882:Skin Tests
D004042:Dietary Fats, Unsaturated; D010938:Plant Oils