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Peanut flour

Also known as: Peanut flour, Peanut powder, Arachis hypogaea Flour

Overview

Peanut flour is a product derived from ground peanuts, offering a concentrated source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. It is created by milling blanched peanuts into a fine powder, often after removing a portion of the oil to create a lower-fat product. As a plant-based protein supplement, it is utilized in various food applications to enhance nutritional content and improve texture. It is also used in oral immunotherapy (OIT) to treat peanut allergies. Peanut flour contains essential amino acids, antioxidants, and other bioactive compounds, contributing to its potential health benefits. Research supports its role in muscle support, allergy treatment, and overall nutritional enhancement.

Benefits

Peanut flour offers several evidence-based benefits. Firstly, its high protein content supports muscle hypertrophy and strength gains when combined with resistance training, particularly benefiting older adults seeking to improve muscle quality. Secondly, peanut flour, specifically in the form of peanut powder like AR101, is effective in oral immunotherapy (OIT) for peanut allergies, significantly increasing tolerance to peanuts in both children and adults. Studies, such as the PALISADE trial, demonstrate that OIT with peanut flour improves quality of life for individuals with peanut allergies. Lastly, the fiber and healthy fats in peanut flour contribute to cardiovascular health and promote satiety, making it a valuable addition to a balanced diet.

How it works

Peanut flour's benefits stem from its nutritional composition and interaction with the body's systems. The high protein content supports muscle protein synthesis, facilitating muscle growth and repair through the activation of biological pathways involved in protein metabolism. In the context of allergy treatment, oral immunotherapy (OIT) with peanut flour works by gradually exposing the immune system to small, controlled amounts of peanut proteins. This process aims to desensitize the individual, modulating immune responses and increasing the threshold at which an allergic reaction occurs. The fiber content also contributes to digestive health and satiety.

Side effects

Peanut flour is generally considered safe for consumption, but it poses significant risks for individuals with peanut allergies. Common side effects associated with oral immunotherapy (OIT) using peanut flour include gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, as well as allergic reactions like hives, itching, and angioedema. Uncommon side effects may include eosinophilic esophagitis, an inflammatory condition of the esophagus. In rare cases, anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction, can occur, especially in individuals with severe peanut allergies. Peanut flour is contraindicated for individuals with known peanut allergies unless under strict medical supervision for OIT. Caution is advised when using peanut flour in children and individuals with compromised immune systems.

Dosage

Dosage guidelines for peanut flour vary depending on the intended use. For nutritional benefits, such as muscle support, a typical serving may contain approximately 35 grams of protein. Post-exercise supplementation is often recommended to maximize muscle protein synthesis. In the context of oral immunotherapy (OIT), dosing starts at very low amounts, such as 3 mg of peanut protein, and gradually increases under medical supervision. Maintenance doses in OIT can reach up to 300 mg of peanut protein daily. It is crucial to adhere to medically supervised protocols for OIT to minimize the risk of adverse reactions. There is no well-defined maximum safe dose for nutritional use, but moderation is advised to avoid potential digestive discomfort.

FAQs

Is peanut flour safe for individuals with peanut allergies?

Peanut flour is generally not safe for those with peanut allergies unless it is used in medically supervised oral immunotherapy (OIT). OIT aims to increase tolerance, but it must be carefully managed by a healthcare professional.

What are the primary nutritional benefits of peanut flour?

Peanut flour is a good source of high-quality protein and fiber. It can be beneficial for muscle health, promoting satiety, and supporting overall nutritional needs, especially when incorporated into a balanced diet.

What results can I expect from using peanut flour?

Nutritional benefits may include improved muscle strength and increased satiety. In the context of OIT, peanut flour can lead to increased tolerance to peanuts, reducing the risk of severe allergic reactions upon accidental exposure.

Can peanut flour cause any side effects?

Yes, especially for those with peanut allergies. Side effects can range from mild gastrointestinal discomfort to severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Oral immunotherapy also carries a risk of side effects.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4711439/ – This review highlights peanuts as a rich source of bioactive compounds with potential health benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It provides foundational understanding of peanut nutritional benefits, noting the presence of resveratrol, phenolic acids, and flavonoids. While not specifically focused on peanut flour, it supports the broader understanding of peanut's nutritional value.
https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/14/2/e075253 – This study investigates the effectiveness of interventions for managing childhood peanut allergies. While the URL provided does not directly link to a study on peanut flour, it is related to the broader context of peanut allergy management and may provide insights into the effectiveness of oral immunotherapy (OIT) using peanut flour.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7734909/ – This study examined the effects of defatted peanut powder supplementation in older adults undergoing resistance training. The results showed significant increases in muscle thickness and strength, suggesting that peanut protein can enhance muscle quality in this population. The study's limitation is its small sample size and specific population focus.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sustainable-food-systems/articles/10.3389/fsufs.2021.765364/full – This article discusses the potential of peanut flour as a sustainable food source. It highlights the nutritional benefits of peanut flour and its role in promoting sustainable food systems. It also explores the environmental impact of peanut production and processing.
https://icer.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/ICER_PeanutAllergy_Final_Report_071019.pdf – The PALISADE study demonstrated that AR101 (peanut powder) significantly increased tolerance to peanuts in children and adolescents. This report provides a comprehensive assessment of the clinical effectiveness and value of peanut oral immunotherapy. A limitation of the study is the high dropout rates and side effects.