Multi-Food Immunotherapy: A Breakthrough in Food Allergy Treatment

Food allergies affect millions of children and adults worldwide, often forcing strict avoidance of common triggers like peanuts, milk, eggs, and tree nuts. Until recently, single-food oral immunotherapy (OIT) was the primary approach, desensitizing patients to one allergen at a time. However, a new Food allergy study gives families peace of mind with multi-food immunotherapy on MSN reveals a promising approach: multi-food immunotherapy. This method concurrently desensitizes patients to several allergens, offering broader protection.

By combining low-dose exposures to multiple triggers in a controlled setting, multi-food immunotherapy trains the immune system to tolerate allergens more safely and effectively than avoidance alone. Early results show higher success rates and improved quality of life.

Patients who complete a multi-food immunotherapy protocol report fewer accidental reactions and greater dietary freedom. Innovations like “Food Scan Genius,” an app that scans nutrition labels for hidden allergens, complement treatment by helping families identify safe foods during and after immunotherapy.

Key Takeaways

• Multi-food immunotherapy desensitizes patients to multiple allergens at once.
• Early trials show higher tolerability and fewer adverse events than single-food OIT.
• Combining immunotherapy with tools like Food Scan Genius enhances safety.
• Major food allergens targeted include peanuts, milk, egg, wheat, and tree nuts.
• Ongoing research aims to refine dosing, duration, and age recommendations.

Background: Understanding Peanut, Milk, Egg, Wheat & Tree Nut Allergies

Food allergies occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies harmless proteins as threats. Common triggers—peanuts, milk, eggs, wheat, and tree nuts—can cause reactions ranging from mild hives to life-threatening anaphylaxis.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), food allergies affect up to 8% of children and 4% of adults in the U.S. Avoidance is the standard recommendation, but accidental exposures remain common.

Single-food oral immunotherapy (OIT) for peanut allergy has been FDA-approved since 2020. Still, many patients have more than one allergy, making multi-food immunotherapy an appealing evolution of OIT. This approach introduces tiny, gradually increasing amounts of each allergen simultaneously.

Early multi-food immunotherapy trials target major allergens:

• Peanuts
• Milk
• Egg
• Wheat
• Tree nuts (e.g., cashews, walnuts)

By addressing multiple allergies at once, multi-food immunotherapy may streamline treatment and reduce the overall burden on families.

Medical Science Behind Multi-Food Immunotherapy

Multi-food immunotherapy works by modulating the immune response to allergens. Patients ingest micrograms of each allergen under medical supervision. Over months, doses increase until maintenance levels are reached.

Key mechanisms include:

1. Induction of allergen-specific regulatory T cells (Tregs).
2. Reduction of allergen-specific IgE antibodies.
3. Increase in protective IgG4 antibodies.

Comparative table: Single vs. Multi-Food Immunotherapy

*Success defined as tolerance of maintenance dose without reaction.

For an in-depth review of food allergy immunotherapy, see the NIH’s Food Allergy Information and the Mayo Clinic’s overview.

Impact on Individuals and Families

Living with multiple food allergies imposes daily stress on families. Meal planning, label reading, and social events become sources of anxiety. Multi-food immunotherapy can transform this experience.

Key benefits reported:

• Fewer accidental reactions: Desensitization reduces severity.
• Improved quality of life: Families feel less restricted.
• Better social inclusion: Children can participate in group meals.
• Reduced healthcare visits: Lower emergency interventions.

Parents like Sarah, whose 8-year-old son was allergic to peanuts, milk, and eggs, say multi-food immunotherapy “gave us back freedom at the dinner table.” Tools like Food Scan Genius help them verify new products safely.

A recent MSN report highlights that children on multi-food immunotherapy tolerated 300 mg per allergen—roughly equivalent to one peanut—without reaction in controlled settings.

Practical Advice for Managing Multiple Food Allergies

While undergoing multi-food immunotherapy, families should follow these guidelines to maximize safety and efficacy:

1. Maintain strict dosing schedules. Adhere to daily doses at the same time.
2. Use “Food Scan Genius” or similar apps to scan labels for hidden allergens.
3. Carry emergency medication (epinephrine auto-injectors) at all times.
4. Inform caregivers, schools, and relatives about therapy specifics.
5. Keep a reaction diary. Note dose, time, and any symptoms.

Additional tips:

• Rotate maintenance foods to prevent tolerance gaps.
• Stay hydrated and take doses with a small snack.
• Attend all follow-up appointments for dose adjustments.

Consult your allergist before making any changes to your multi-food immunotherapy plan.

Related Research and Developments

Multi-food immunotherapy builds on years of single-allergen OIT research. Current studies focus on optimizing protocols and expanding to less common allergens.

Recent milestones:

• FARE-funded trials combining probiotics with OIT to improve outcomes (Food Allergy Research & Education).
• Peanut epicutaneous immunotherapy (skin patch) as an alternative delivery.
• Biologics (e.g., omalizumab) used alongside OIT to reduce side effects.
• Age-based dosing: Starting OIT earlier in toddlers to induce lifelong tolerance.

Emerging tech integrations like “Food Scan Genius” aim to link personalized immunotherapy data with real-time allergen scanning, creating a seamless safety net for patients outside clinical settings.

Resources & Support Options

• FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education): Treatment guides and support communities.
• NIH Allergy Division: Research updates and clinical trial listings.
• CDC: Educational materials for families and schools.
• Mayo Clinic: Clinical insights and symptom management.

Conclusion

Multi-food immunotherapy represents a significant leap in food allergy management. By targeting multiple allergens at once, it offers broader protection and fewer accidental reactions. Coupled with innovative tools like Food Scan Genius, families gain confidence and freedom around food. Discuss this option with your allergist to see if it’s right for you or your child.