researchers at the university of cincinnati college of medicine tried to answer that question by determining an “eliciting dose” — the amount of peanut — that would cause an allergic reaction in a certain percentage of peanut-sensitive people. the study examined 481 patients in double-blind placebo-controlled studies who were exposed to increasing levels of peanut protein in a controlled setting until the patient had an allergic reaction.
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finding that eliciting dose is crucial from a public health perspective as people who have peanut allergies can experience a wide range of effects. according to food allergy canada, an estimated two in 100 children in canada are affected by peanut allergies which can lead to an itchy, tingling mouth and hives or something as serious as food-induced anaphylaxis. anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires a trip to the emergency room and treatment with a shot of epinephrine.
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