Summary
Researchers have ranked the most common allergens, and those which illicit the most severe reactions, across 192 individual foods in 14 unique groups.
As the human diet has evolved and expanded, it appears our sensitivities have too.
A new study has identified nearly 200 foods which caused allergi…
Source: Medical Republic
AI News Q&A (Free Content)
Q1: What are some of the less commonly known food allergens beyond the traditional 'big 8'?
A1: In addition to the traditional 'big 8' allergens—milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish—recent studies have identified other significant allergens. Kiwi and carrot have been highlighted as common triggers, with a self-reported point prevalence of 3.37% and 1.54% respectively. Other noteworthy allergens include sesame seeds, chocolate, lentils, and beef, showing the diversity of foods that can cause allergic reactions.
Q2: How prevalent are food allergies among different age groups in the United States?
A2: Food allergy prevalence varies across age groups. A study found that 10.8% of U.S. adults have at least one food allergy, with prevalence higher among younger adults aged 18-29 at 11.3%, decreasing to 8.8% in those aged 60 and above. This suggests that food allergies are more common in younger populations and tend to decrease with age.
Q3: What are the most common food allergens among adults and children in the U.S.?
A3: In the United States, the most common food allergens for children include peanuts, milk, shellfish, and tree nuts. For adults, shellfish, milk, peanuts, and tree nuts remain the most prevalent. This highlights a consistency in certain allergens affecting both demographic groups, with shellfish being particularly common.
Q4: What is the role of immunoglobulin E (IgE) in food allergies?
A4: Immunoglobulin E (IgE) plays a central role in food allergies. When IgE binds to food molecules, it triggers the release of inflammatory chemicals such as histamine, leading to allergic reactions. This mechanism is responsible for the symptoms associated with food allergies, ranging from mild reactions like itchiness to severe anaphylaxis.
Q5: What are the management strategies for food allergies?
A5: Management of food allergies involves avoiding the allergenic food and having an emergency action plan, which may include administering adrenaline (epinephrine) and wearing medical alert jewelry. Although early exposure to potential allergens might be protective, allergen immunotherapy for food allergies is not widely recommended due to unproven benefits.
Q6: How has the prevalence of food allergies changed over time?
A6: Food allergies are on the rise, particularly in developed countries. Estimates suggest that 4% to 8% of people are affected by at least one food allergy, with the condition being more common in children than adults. This increase is attributed to factors like changes in diet, vitamin D deficiency, and high levels of cleanliness.
Q7: What potential solutions are being explored to address food allergies?
A7: Research is ongoing to find effective solutions for food allergies. While avoiding allergens is the primary strategy, studies are exploring the potential of allergen immunotherapy and dietary modifications. However, the effectiveness of these approaches is still under investigation, and more evidence is needed to support their widespread use.
References:
- For the first time, this systematic review provides a comprehensive view on the frequency of FA/FS outside the eight so-called big FAs (i.e., cow's milk, egg, wheat, soy, peanut, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish allergy)
- ResultsSurveys were completed by 40,443 adults (mean [SD
- Approximately 33 million people in the United States have at least one food allergy
