A small clinical trial suggests fecal microbiome transplantation may increase peanut tolerance in some adults, though experts caution that more research is needed.
Key facts
- •The study, published in Science Translational Medicine, included 15 human participants.
- •Six participants experienced increased tolerance to peanuts following FMT treatment.
- •Researchers identified that increased RORγt+ regulatory T cells and bile acid metabolites were associated with the protective effect.
- •The study found that removing the enzyme bile salt hydrolase from Bacteroides bacteria in mice eliminated the increased peanut tolerance.
- •Clinical applications of microbiome-based allergy treatments may be 10 to 15 years away, pending larger, successful trials.
A preliminary study published August 5 in Science Translational Medicine indicates that oral fecal microbiome transplantation (FMT), or “poop pills,” may increase peanut tolerance in some adults with peanut allergies. Out of 15 participants in the clinical trial, six experienced improved tolerance to peanuts. Researchers also observed similar protective results in mice, noting the involvement of specific gut bacteria and bile acid metabolites.
By the numbers
Trial Results and Methodology
The human trial was conducted in two stages. In the first stage, 10 participants received frozen FMT from healthy donors, with three individuals showing increased tolerance four months later. The second stage involved five participants who took antibiotics before receiving FMT, resulting in three individuals showing increased tolerance. Study author Dr. Rima Rachid noted that no serious adverse events occurred during the trial. Researchers found that participants who experienced increased tolerance showed higher levels of RORγt+ regulatory T cells, which help regulate the immune system. When these microbiomes were transplanted into mice, the animals also gained protection against the allergy.
Future Research and Expert Perspective
While the findings are considered an early signal, experts emphasize that FMT is not yet recommended as a clinical treatment. Dr. Mohammad Bakhtiar, who was not involved in the study, noted that the small sample size and open-label nature of the phase 1 study mean the results cannot yet be applied across populations. He advised that standard practices, such as strict avoidance and emergency planning, remain necessary. Future research aims to utilize a more purified form of FMT known as microbiota transplantation therapy (MTT). Researchers hope to evaluate the efficacy of prolonged administration in larger trials, with potential clinical applications estimated to be 10 to 15 years away.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Healthline.
