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Food Allergies
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Food allergies are more common in young children than in older children or adults, occurring in between six and eight percent of preschoolers. By school age the figure drops to approximately five percent.[4]
Food allergies are adverse reactions to a protein or glycoprotein in food that elicits a heightened response of the immune system in some people. Among several types of immunologic responses causing food allergies, the most common type of reaction is mediated by allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies.[5] Food allergies are more common in children than in adults. According to the authors, the most common food allergens in infants and young children are cow?s milk, hen?s egg, peanut (a legume), tree nuts (walnut, hazelnut, Brazil nut, and pecan), soybeans and wheat.[6] Food allergies are quite common. In North America, more than 2 million children and an estimated 12 million adults are allergic to one food item or another.[7] Food allergies are the leading cause of anaphylaxis. Food related anaphylaxis causes 200 deaths per year in the United States.[8] Food allergies are a common cause of asthma. Food allergies are not the only cause of the disease, but the link is extremely common.[9] Food allergies are an increasing problem in westernized countries. Although an unpleasant reaction to food is often thought to be a food allergic reaction, only 8% of children under 3 years of age and roughly 2% of the adult population are affected by food allergies, which are mediated by an allergic/immune mechanism (e.g., IgE mediated).[10]
Food allergies are most easily developed when we are young. At this stage our intestines are not fully developed and allow large, complex proteins such as peanut protein to cross into the body. Food allergies are much less common than most parents believe, only affecting about 3-6% of children and 1-2% of adults. According to our own Nutrition Survey , 16% of respondants thought their children had food allergies, way above the usual incidence reports. Food allergies are on the rise. People with food allergies must strictly avoid the allergenic food to prevent what can be a life threatening reaction.[13] Food allergies are more prevalent than is recognized. [14] Food allergies are more common in young children than in adults. This may be because children's immune and digestive systems are not completely developed.[15] Food allergies are found in about one percent of the population in the United States. While this may seem like a small number, this statistic actually translates into millions of people who are dealing with this condition.[16] Food allergies are the second most common type of allergy in cats and the third most common in dogs. Food ingredients most likely to trigger allergies in cats are fish, milk, beef, and eggs.[17]
Food allergies are divided into two major categories: immediate and delayed. When immediate food reaction occurs, sufferers experience symptoms within hours of having ingested the food.[18] Food allergies are often treated from several directions at the same time, such as eliminating allergens, strengthening the patient nutritionally, and modifying the patient’s immune response. It is not something your doctor can do for you by himself or herself.[19] Food allergies are more common in children than adults. About 7 out of 100 kids have them.[20] Food allergies are more common in children ages five and under. If you suspect that certain foods are causing problems, they can be removed from your diet.[21]
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