A landmark study published in Nature Immunology has identified specific strains of gut bacteria that may protect against the development of food allergies. Researchers compared the gut microbiomes of infants with and without food allergies and discovered that those lacking certain beneficial bacteria—particularly Clostridiales and Bacteroidetes—were more likely to develop sensitivities to peanuts, eggs, and milk.
The study suggests that early-life antibiotic use, cesarean delivery, and low-fiber diets may disrupt the natural balance of gut bacteria, increasing allergy risk. To test this theory, scientists conducted experiments in mice, transplanting protective bacteria into allergy-prone subjects.
The results were striking: mice receiving the bacterial therapy showed significantly reduced allergic responses.
Clinical trials are now underway to determine whether probiotic supplements or fecal microbiota transplants (FMT) could prevent or reverse food allergies in humans. If successful, this approach could shift allergy prevention strategies toward microbiome modulation rather than strict allergen avoidance.
Experts caution, however, that self-administered probiotics are not yet a proven solution, and further research is needed to identify the most effective bacterial strains.
This discovery opens new avenues for allergy prevention, particularly in high-risk infants. Pediatricians may soon recommend targeted probiotic regimens alongside traditional breastfeeding and early allergen introduction guidelines.
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