Maternal supplementation with α-tocopherol inhibits the development of offspring food allergy, H1R signaling and ultimately anaphylaxis early in life
Food allergy has had a rapid rise in prevalence, and thus it is important to identify approaches to limit the development of food allergy early in life. Because maternal dietary supplementation with α-tocopherol (α-T), an isoform of vitamin E, during pregnancy and nursing increases neonate plasma levels of α-T and can limit neonate development of other allergies, we hypothesized that α-T can limit development of food allergy. To assess this, male mice with mutations in their skin barrier genes (FT−/− mice) were mated with wild-type females that received a diet supplemented with α-tocopherol or a control diet. Starting at postnatal day 3, these FT+/− pups were sensitized 4 to 5 times over 2.5 weeks by skin co-exposure to the food allergen peanut extract (PNE) and the environmental allergen Alternaria alternata (Alt). Control pups were exposed to saline, PNE only or Alt only. Supplementation with α-T blocked Alt+PNE sensitization (anti-PNE-specific IgE), without blocking Alt+PNE-stimulated skin IL33, Areg, OSM, CCL11, TSLP or plasma MCPT1. However, supplementation with α-T blocked mast cell activation, the increase in plasma histamine in Alt+PNE sensitized pups, histamine receptor stimulation of endothelial PKCα signaling, and ultimately oral PNE-induced anaphylaxis in Alt+PNE sensitized mice. Thus, maternal supplementation with α-tocopherol reduced development of food allergy and anaphylaxis in neonates. These results have implications for supplementation of mothers with α-tocopherol to limit development of food allergy in neonates with skin barrier mutations.
https://doi.org/10.1093/jimmun/vkae041
Enhancing the diagnostic accuracy of the IgE crosslinking-induced luciferase expression (EXiLE) method for walnut allergy
Background: Walnut (Juglans regia) frequently triggers nut allergies in the United Kingdom and in the United States, with increasing cases in Japan. While oral food challenges (OFCs) are the definitive method for diagnosing these allergies, they pose the risk of symptom provocation, necessitating safer alternative tests. Our aim here was to evaluate the diagnostic utility of IgE (immunoglobulin E) crosslinking-induced luciferase expression (EXiLE) for walnut allergy compared with the walnut-specific IgE (sIgE) test, Jug r 1-sIgE test, and skin prick test (SPT). Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 55 patients tested for walnut allergy (WA) at Fujita Health University Bantane Hospital from January 2021 to December 2023. Among them, 38 had allergic reactions to walnuts based on history or OFCs and 17 did not. We evaluated the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic curve. Results: The EXiLE method (AUC = 0.938) exhibited superior diagnostic accuracy compared to the walnut-sIgE and comparable performance to Jug r 1-sIgE and SPT. The optimal cutoff value of 1.26-fold change demonstrated high sensitivity (0.92), specificity (0.88), positive predictive value (0.92), and negative predictive value (0.82). The EXiLE method yielded positive results in all three cases with negative Jug r 1-sIgE (< 0.35 UA/mL). Conclusion: The EXiLE method showed high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing WA, indicating its potential clinical utility. Furthermore, the combination of Jug r 1-sIgE and EXiLE may enhance diagnostic accuracy. Future large-scale studies are warranted to confirm these findings and establish comprehensive diagnostic protocols.
https://doi.org/10.15586/aei.v53i2.1267
The prevalence of peanut-triggered food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome in a prospective cohort of infants introducing peanut in the first year of life
Background: Since the early introduction of peanut to prevent IgE-mediated peanut allergy, other case series have suggested an increased incidence of peanut-triggered Food Protein Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES). Data on the prevalence of peanut-induced FPIES in prospective cohorts are lacking. Methods: The PeanutNL cohort is a prospective cohort that included infants at risk of peanut allergy (n = 706) as well as infants with reactions to peanut at home after early introduction (n = 186). They all introduced peanut before the age of 12 months. Oral food challenges were performed to introduce peanut or to evaluate reactions to peanut at home. Results: Of the 706 infants that were included for first introduction of peanut, 2 had reactions with a phenotype compatible with FPIES (0.3%). Of the 186 infants with reactions to peanut at home, 6 were diagnosed with FPIES (3.2%). Seven out of 8 cases had ingestions of peanut without reactions at home or during clinical introduction before FPIES became apparent. During a 3-year follow-up, six infants (75%) were shown to be tolerant to peanut before the age of 3 years. Conclusion: The prevalence of challenge-proven peanut-induced FPIES in a Dutch cohort of atopic infants that introduced peanut between the ages of 4 and 11 months is 0.3%. The majority of cases were tolerant to peanut before the age of 3 years. When introducing peanut in the first year of life, physicians should be aware of FPIES reactions, but it should not be a reason to avoid early introduction of peanut.
https://doi.org/10.1111/pai.70058
Basophil Activation Test for the Improved Diagnosis of Peanut and Tree Nut Allergy
Purpose of review: As an ex-vivo test of allergic effector cell activation, basophil activation testing (BAT) to allergen enables quantification of the in-vivo IgE-mediated allergic response. BAT thus holds promise in the diagnosis and monitoring of peanut and tree nut allergies. Recent systematic analyses and expert recommendations support a role for BAT in the diagnosis of peanut and tree nut allergy. Recent findings: Diagnostic cut-offs for BAT in peanut and tree nut allergy have been identified. Consistently, BAT can discriminate with high sensitivity and specificity between allergy and tolerance when measured against oral food challenges. Furthermore, the utilization of BAT has can increase the sensitivity and specificity of peanut allergy and tree nut allergy diagnosis, both alone and in conjunction with specific IgE testing and skin prick testing. BAT is a promising tool in the diagnosis of peanut and tree nut allergy.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11882-025-01200-1
Effects of Almond Consumption on Selected Markers of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of almond consumption on serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in individuals at risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). An electronic database search was performed on PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library from inception through October 2024. Summary effect size measurements were calculated using random effects model estimation and were reported as weighted mean differences (WMDs) along with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A total of 258 articles were identified, and 13 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The meta-analysis of eleven RCTs, which involved a total of 544 participants, indicated that almonds significantly reduced levels of CRP (WMD, -0.28 mg/L; 95% CI, -0.52, -0.04; p = 0.02). However, we found no significant benefit of almond consumption in improving serum MDA levels, and due to the limited number of studies, the examination of MDA was conducted only qualitatively. This study supports the conclusion that almond consumption has favorable effects on CRP levels in individuals with CVD risk factors. More high-quality trials are needed to confirm these findings.
https://doi.org/10.7762/cnr.2025.14.1.78
Perspective: Current Scientific Evidence and Research Strategies in the Role of Almonds in Cardiometabolic Health
Almonds are consumed by individuals around the world. Because almonds are rich in protein, unsaturated fatty acids, and fiber, a significant amount of research has been conducted on their role in affecting various cardiometabolic endpoints (body weight, blood pressure, blood cholesterol levels, and glycemic response). The most current meta-analyses on almond consumption and various health-related endpoints suggest that almond consumption does not result in weight gain and results in small reductions in LDL cholesterol and diastolic blood pressure, as well as improved glycemic responses in certain populations (i.e. Asian Indians). A number of research gaps on almond consumption and cardiometabolic health were identified that should be addressed to further understand their role in the various cardiometabolic endpoints, including the mechanisms of action interactions with the microbiome with regular consumption and their role as part of a healthy dietary pattern for both individuals and the general population.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cdnut.2024.104516
The impact of a walnut-rich breakfast on cognitive performance and brain activity throughout the day in healthy young adults: a crossover intervention trial
A healthy diet is essential for optimal brain health and many bioactives from food are linked to cognitive benefits. To examine whether walnuts led to cognitive improvements throughout the day, 32 healthy young adults, aged 18-30, were tested in a double-blind, crossover pilot study, to compare the effects of a breakfast containing 50 g walnuts with a calorie-matched control containing no nuts. Cognition, mood, blood, and EEG measures were recorded at baseline and 2, 4, and 6 hours postprandially. Mood ratings for negative affect appeared worse following walnuts compared to control, possibly due to a general dislike of the intervention. However, walnuts elicited faster reaction times throughout the day on executive function tasks. Memory recall performance at 2 hours was worse for walnuts compared to control, but by 6 hours this finding was reversed with walnuts outperforming the control. EEG PSD analysis revealed differences in frontoparietal activity in the walnut condition compared to the control condition during memory recall and during executive function performance. These results may reflect between-treatment differences in cognitive effort or attentional processes while performing the tasks. Blood analysis revealed lower circulating non-esterified fatty acids and small increases in glucose availability following consumption of walnuts compared to control, suggesting enhanced glucose availability as one possible mechanism of action. Further investigations of other potential mechanisms are needed. Overall, these findings provide evidence for reaction time benefits throughout the day following a walnut-rich breakfast, while memory findings were mixed with benefits only observed later in the day. However, more research is needed into how diets containing walnuts might regulate cognitive improvements in humans postprandially and over the longer term.
https://doi.org/10.1039/d4fo04832f
Consumption of Tree Nuts as Snacks Stimulates Changes in Plasma Fatty Acid Profiles and Adipose Tissue Gene Expression in Young Adults at Risk for Metabolic Syndrome
Background and aims: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome has been increasing in young adults, concomitant with the occurrence of increased abdominal adiposity. We previously reported that consuming tree nuts, as replacement for typical high-carbohydrate snacks, reduces visceral fat and waist circumference in young adults who have one or more metabolic syndrome risk factors. We aimed to investigate the effects of tree nuts snack consumption on plasma and adipose tissue fatty acid profiles along with changes in the expression of adipose tissue genes involved in thermogenesis, glycemia, adipocyte signaling, lipolysis, and immunity. Methods: A randomized parallel-arm 16-week intervention trial was conducted in 84 adults aged 22–36 years. Participants in both groups were provided with caloric goals for weight maintenance, daily menus, and pre-portioned snacks at every other week visits with study registered dietitians. Changes in dietary fatty acid intakes, plasma and abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) triglycerides fatty acid profiles using gas–liquid chromatography, and the expression of 241 genes in abdominal SAT were evaluated. Results: Consuming tree nuts snacks increased mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acid intakes yielding a 9-fold greater dietary unsaturated to saturated fat ratio. The tree nuts snack group also had significantly greater improvements in plasma 16:1/16:0 ratio; plasma phospholipids oleic and gamma linolenic acid content; plasma diglycerides, triglycerides, and cholesterol esters oleic acid content; and total plasma monounsaturated fatty acids. While abdominal SAT only showed trends for increased oleic acid content and unsaturated to saturated fat ratio, the tree nuts snacks participants had altered expression of 13 genes in abdominal SAT that have roles in nutrient sensing, energy homeostasis, and vulnerability to obesity. Conclusions: Replacing typical high-carbohydrate snacks with tree nuts results in more favorable dietary, plasma, and adipose tissue fatty acid profiles that could aid in preventing the development of excess adiposity and cardiometabolic disease states including metabolic syndrome.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnu.2025.03.002
EU Concludes Public Consultation on Proposed Retaliatory Tariffs Against US
The INC submitted a statement against tariffs on almonds and took part in a meeting with EU officials
As noted in the INC’s last industry newsletter, the European Union announced countermeasures on March 12 in response to US President Donald Trump’s 25% tariff on European steel and aluminum, which had just come into effect. The European Commission proposed new countermeasures on US goods, which are expected to come into force by mid-April. The list of US products that could be targeted by these measures includes in-shell and shelled almonds. The amount of the additional duties that would be charged was not announced. The EU elicited stakeholder feedback on the proposed measures via a public consultation that closed on March 26. The INC submitted a position statement expressing opposition to the proposed tariffs on US almonds, arguing that the tariffs would be harmful to EU processors and manufacturers who rely heavily on US almond imports to make value-added food products (confectionary, marzipan, backed goods, snack bars, breakfast cereals, plant-based beverages, etc.), specialized health and nutrition products (protein supplements, gluten-free flours, etc.), and products for the pharma industry.
On March 25, the INC also participated in an online meeting with officials from the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Trade (DG TRADE). Representing the units responsible for trade with the US and trade in agrifood products, the officials listened to arguments against the application of tariffs on US almonds. Convened by FRUCOM, the meeting was attended by representatives of companies in the nut and dried fruit sector as well as industry associations. The consensus position among the industry stakeholders was aligned with the INC’s position that the tariffs would be broadly harmful to EU companies across the value chain.
The EU’s package of countermeasures announced on March 12 also included allowing the suspension of existing 2018 and 2020 countermeasures against the US to lapse. These measures —which include 25% duties on US peanut butter and dried cranberries— were set to come into force on April 1. However, the EU has now decided to delay the implementation of the measures until mid-April, allowing extra time for negotiations. On March 20, European Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič told a hearing at the European Parliament that the entry into force of these measures would be pushed back to mid-April. “We are now considering to align the timing of the two sets of EU countermeasures, so we can consult with Member States on both lists simultaneously,” said Šefčovič. “It also gives us extra time for negotiations to try to find a mutually agreeable resolution.” The European Commission later confirmed that the measures would take effect in mid-April, as reported by Reuters. This delay aligns the timing of the two tranches of countermeasures announced by the Commission on March 12.
INC Participates in UN Event Marking International Day of Forests
Pino Calcagni’s keynote address highlighted the role of forest nuts as sustainable, healthy food
The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) celebrated the International Day of Forests on March 20, 2025, at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. The event, themed “Forests and Food,” was co-organized with the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Türkiye to the UN Office at Geneva.
The event explored the vital role of forests in providing food security and nutrition, with a particular focus on nuts and dried fruits. It highlighted the crucial connection between forests and healthy diets, showcasing how sustainable forest management contributes to food security and improves livelihoods. INC Co-founder Pino Calcagni gave an expert talk on the power of forests —and forest nuts in particular— as a sustainable source of healthy food. Other speakers at the event included Ambassador Burak Akçapar, Turkey's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office at Geneva; Semsettin Bayram Ozgur, Vice Chairman of the Aegean Dried Fruit Exporters’ Association; and Keith Anderson, Forest and Climate Policy Officer at Switzerland’s Federal Office for the Environment.
The talk was followed by a tasting session where attendees were invited to sample a variety of nutritious forest-grown foods from Armenia, Moldova, Poland, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Türkiye, and Uzbekistan, showcasing the diverse flavors and health benefits of these natural products.
Photos: UNECE.