Food Allergy

Affects up to 10% of infants less than 1 year of age; 4-8% of children and 2% of adults.

Most common in children: eggs, peanuts and cow’s milk
Most common in adults: tree nuts, sea food

Childhood allergies to milk, egg, soy and wheat often resolve. Peanuts, tree nuts, sesame and fish usually persist.
Hospital admission rates for food allergy, especially in children is up.

Explanations for the increase in the incidence food allergy:
1. Hygienic hypothesis (there is now less exposure to infections)
2. A delay in the introduction of potentially allergenic foods into the diet compared to the past
3. Methods of food processing have changed (eg peanuts are now roasted rather than baking, making then more allergenic)
4. Changes in the microbiota
5. Epigenetic changes
6. Confounders (eg this study found a higher incidence peanut allergy in those with early exposure to air pollution)

Commentary:

• Lots of pseudo experts and conspiracy theorists are touting their pet theory or conspiracy for the increase in the prevalence of food allergy. It is actually not clear how they know why their idea is the reason or any better explanation compared to any of the above.
• None of the experts who work in this area believe the increase in food allergy is related to child immunizations and there is no evidence that it is.