Experts are investigating the role of gut microbiomes in the rising prevalence of food allergies affecting over 32 million Americans, seeking potential solutions through innovative therapies.
With more than 32 million Americans grappling with food allergies, health advocates and officials are delving into potential root causes, including the role of microbiomes. A recent forum hosted by the Food Allergy Fund (FAF) in Washington, D.C., featured prominent figures such as HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., FDA Chief Martin Makary, and NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Makary discussed how the function of microbiomes has evolved over time. He explained that the intestine is home to over a billion different types of bacteria, which typically exist in a balanced state. However, he noted that modern diets, antibiotics, and other environmental exposures can disrupt this balance. “That disequilibrium can cause inflammation, it can cause health problems, and it may be implicated in food allergies,” he stated.
Makary emphasized the importance of gut health, asserting that it is central to overall well-being. He pointed out that certain beneficial microbes may be lacking in contemporary populations due to dietary and environmental changes, which could contribute to the increasing incidence of food allergies.
Researchers at Siolta Therapeutics are actively exploring this hypothesis. Their oral microbiome therapy, STMC-103H, has demonstrated promising results in a Phase 2 trial involving 238 newborns with a family history of allergies. Early data suggests that this therapy could reduce the risk of developing food allergies by 77%, indicating that enhancing gut bacteria early in life may prevent allergies from developing altogether. Final results from this study are anticipated in early 2026.
Ilana Golant, founder and CEO of FAF, remarked to Fox News Digital that food allergies might serve as a “canary in the coal mine” for a broader health crisis linked to the microbiome. To further investigate the connection between gut bacteria and various health issues, FAF has launched its Food Allergy Fund Microbiome Collective in New York City. Golant expressed optimism, stating, “Solving allergies could reveal how to prevent and treat a range of diseases — from autoimmune disorders to neurodegeneration — that impact millions of lives.”
Food allergies are a significant public health concern, affecting approximately one in ten adults and one in thirteen children, according to FAF. Alarmingly, someone in the U.S. is treated in the emergency room for a severe allergic reaction every three minutes. Among the most common food allergies are peanut allergies, with emerging research indicating that early introduction of peanuts may significantly reduce the risk of developing allergies in childhood.
During the FAF conference, Secretary Kennedy noted that food allergies, particularly peanut allergies, appear to be much more prevalent among children today than in previous generations. Reflecting on his own childhood, he remarked, “When I was a kid, I never met anyone with a peanut allergy. I had 11 siblings and about 71 first cousins, and I didn’t know a single person in my schools or at any of the camps I went to who had one.”
Kennedy shared a personal perspective, revealing that one of his sons suffers from severe anaphylactic allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, and several other foods. “By the time he was 2 years old, we’d been to the emergency room about 22 times,” he recounted. Initially focused on treatment and safety, Kennedy soon turned his attention to the broader question of why food allergies are becoming increasingly common. “I have five of my seven children with allergies,” he added.
He acknowledged the complexity of the issue, stating, “There may be many causes, or there may be just one — we don’t know yet. But we’re going to study it. We’re going to break that omertà, end the taboo and find out what’s causing it.”
As research continues, the exploration of gut health and its potential impact on food allergies may pave the way for innovative treatments and a deeper understanding of this growing health crisis.
Source: Original article