Food allergy knowledge, perception of food allergy labeling, and level of dietary practice: A comparison between children with and without food allergy experience

Abstract

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVESThe prevalence of food allergies in Korean children aged 6 to 12 years increased from 10.9% in 1995 to 12.6% in 2012 according to nationwide population studies. Treatment for food allergies is avoidance of allergenic-related foods and epinephrine auto-injector (EPI) for accidental allergic reactions. This study compared knowledge and perception of food allergy labeling and dietary practices of students.SUBJECTS/METHODSThe study was conducted with the fourth to sixth grade students from an elementary school in Yongin. A total of 437 response rate (95%) questionnaires were collected and statistically analyzed.RESULTSThe prevalence of food allergy among respondents was 19.7%, and the most common food allergy-related symptoms were urticaria, followed by itching, vomiting and nausea. Food allergens, other than 12 statutory food allergens, included cheese, cucumber, kiwi, melon, clam, green tea, walnut, grape, apricot and pineapple. Children with and without food allergy experience had a similar level of knowledge on food allergies. Children with food allergy experience thought that food allergy-related labeling on school menus was not clear or informative.CONCLUSIONTo understand food allergies and prevent allergic reactions to school foodservice among children, schools must provide more concrete and customized food allergy education.

Prevalence, severity and risk factors of food allergy and food addiction among the people of Tangail district, Bangladesh

“…Skin manifestations were also the most frequently stated symptoms in similar studies conducted in Taiwan, Korea. 9,38 Other symptoms also being noticed among the respondents were itching on the throat about 7.9%, vomiting tendency 4.3%, hives 5.9% and dyspnoea 4.1%. A study conducted in Lebanon, 86% of the food allergy sufferers suffered from skin reactions, including hives, itching, and redness and 30% reported facial swelling.…”

“…7 angioedema, dermatitis, as well as in the gastrointestinal tract including vomiting, abdominal cramping, nausea, diarrhea and in the respiratory tract disorder including rhinitis, asthma, laryngeal edema. [8][9][10][11] Anaphylactic shock is the most frightening symptom which is induced by a particular food that is acute in onset, occurring within minutes or hours, and without proper treatment, it may lead to death badly. 12,13 Much other allergic disorder has been found in different organ systems that increase the risk of other allergic condition due to consuming allergic food items.…”

Perception and practice regarding allergen labeling: focus on food-related employees

“…However, employees should have full knowledge of allergies when developing foods, and thus in-depth and detailed research is needed for overall improvements as reported in other studies on nutrition labeling [ 45 , 46 ]. Studies on allergy labeling are rare in Korea except for a study on adolescents by Choi et al [ 47 ]. Therefore, labeling of allergenic foods should be made easier and more convenient for employees, developers, and consumers.…”

Intake of a Vitamin-Mineral Complex Is a Rational Way to Make Up a Calcium Deficiency in Conditions of Insufficient Consumption of Dairy Products by a Child

“…У детей младшего возраста формируется пожизненная сенсибилизация к белкам коровьего молока [28]. Диагноз аллергии на пищевой белок, в том числе белок коровьего молока, устанавливается на основании данных семейного анамнеза, результатов осмотра и лабораторных исследований с проведением кожных тестов и/или определением уровня специфических IgEантител в сыворотке крови [26,29].…”