Olivia May isn't too keen on peanuts – but her exposure to them may prove a lifesaver.

The seven-year-old can now tolerate peanuts after being given a new treatment by Melbourne researchers, but ask her if she likes them and the answer is a definite "Nooooo".

Cured: Olivia May (left) and Sarah Bridgeman took part in the peanut allergy trial and can now eat peanuts. Credit:Simon Schluter

Olivia was among more than 80 per cent of children with peanut allergies who were able to tolerate peanuts after being given a probiotic and increasing doses of peanut, in a study led by the Murdoch Children's Research Institute.

About 60 children aged one to 10 were randomised to receive the daily treatment or a placebo over 18 months, before their ability to tolerate peanuts was assessed two to five weeks later.