Inulin is a naturally occurring plant substance commonly used as a dietary fibre supplement, a pre-biotic and a replacement for caloric sweeteners. And it could be the basis for a new way to treat or prevent allergic reactions…
Researchers at the University of Michigan report success in mouse-based experiments with a new method of preventing and treating allergic reactions.
What they found
In early-stage experiments, the researchers found they could head off allergic reactions in mice, and even mitigate reactions in progress, by feeding their test subjects an inulin gel. The substance works in the gut to restore an imbalance caused by allergens in susceptible subjects
According to an abstract of the study report, “The team found that inulin gel, specifically formulated with an allergen, normalized the imbalanced intestinal microbiota and metabolites in allergic mice. This normalization led to the establishment of allergen-specific oral tolerance, effectively suppres-sing allergic reactions to various food allergens.”
“The therapy showed long-lasting protection even after the cessation of treatment, indicating its potential for sustained relief from food allergies,” said Fang Xie, a graduate student who also led the studies.
The takeaway
Some day, those with allergies to common foods such as peanuts, eggs, and dairy could take a dose of allergen-specific inulin gel before dining to ensure they don’t suffer a potentially deadly attack.
My take
This inulin stuff apparently has even greater potential, as a treatment or perhaps even a cure for other diseases that have baffled science for decades.
“The fiber is also the subject of research and clinical trials investigating its role in treating, or leading to better understanding of cancerous tumors, gastrointestinal illnesses, diabetes and other diseas-es,” the abstract notes.
Maybe I WILL live to see the day…
So let’s get on with the ‘further experimentation’ you say is warranted, grad student Xie!
~ Maggie J.