Low-allergenic hydrolyzed egg induces oral tolerance in mice.

Background: Egg allergy is one of the most common food allergies in children. The standard therapy for egg allergy is strict avoidance. Yet, there is considerable clinical and scientific interest in primary or secondary prevention.

Identification of epicatechin as one of the key bioactive constituents of polyphenol-enriched extracts that demonstrate an anti-allergic effect in a murine model of food allergy.

Polyphenols are naturally derived bioactive compounds with numerous reported health benefits. We have previously reported on the beneficial effect of a polyphenol-enriched apple extract in a murine model of food allergy. The objectives of the present study were to elucidate the class of bioactive polyphenols that exhibit a beneficial anti-allergic effect and to assess whether the protective effect matches the in vivo bioavailable metabolite concentrations.