National prevalence and risk factors for food allergy and relationship to asthma: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2006

Abstract

Background The national prevalence and patterns of food allergy (FA) in the United States (US) are not well understood. Objective We developed nationally representative estimates of the prevalence of and demographic risk factors for FA, and investigated associations of FA with asthma, hay fever, and eczema. Methods 8,203 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2006 had food-specific serum IgE measured to peanut, cow's milk, egg white, and shrimp. Food-specific IgE and age-based criteria were used to define Likely FA (LFA), Possible FA (PFA), and Unlikely FA (UFA), and to develop estimates of clinical FA. Self-reported data were used to evaluate demographic risk factors and associations with asthma and related conditions. Results In the US, the estimated prevalence of clinical FA was 2.5% (peanut 1.3%, milk 0.4%, egg 0.2%, shrimp 1.0%, not mutually exclusive). Risk of PFA/LFA was increased in non-Hispanic blacks (odds ratio (OR) 3.06; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.14-4.36), males (1.87; 1.32-2.66), and children (2.04; 1.42-2.93). Study participants with doctor-diagnosed asthma (vs. no asthma) exhibited increased risk of all measures of food sensitization. Moreover, in those with LFA, the adjusted OR for current asthma (3.8; 1.5-10.7) and an emergency room (ER) visit for asthma in the past year (6.9; 2.4-19.7) were both notably increased. Conclusion Population-based serologic data on 4 foods indicate an estimated 2.5% of the US population has FA, and increased risk was found for blacks, males, and children. Additionally, FA could be an under-recognized risk factor for problematic asthma.

Among Children with Food Allergy, Do Sociodemographic Factors and Healthcare Use Differ by Severity?

“…As identified through parental report, the prevalence of food allergy is similar for boys and girls and by race/ethnicity, although is higher among young children compared to older children [1,2]. However, there are substantial differences in food-specific serum Immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels by race/ethnicity, sex, and age [1,3]; non-Hispanic black children, boys, and younger children are more likely to have biochemical evidence of food allergy than their respective counterparts. The wide range of morbidity associated with food allergy coupled with the population-level differences in serum IgE suggest that even among children reported to have food allergy, certain groups of people may be at higher risk of severe food allergy and related adverse outcomes.…”

Cow's Milk Allergy and Bone Mineral Density in Prepubertal Children

“…1,2 A strict elimination diet removing cow's milk, dairy products, and their traces remains the main treatment plan until allergy resolution. Although resolution of CMA in 87% of children by 3 years of age has been reported, 3 more recent evidence suggests persistence of allergy until adolescence in 15% of cases.…”

Structure and Function of the Peanut Panallergen Ara h 8

“…Unlike other food allergies, allergy to peanuts usually persists into adulthood. In the United States and Europe, peanut allergy affects 1-2% of adults (1).…”