Study Concludes 8 Percent of Children in the U.S. Have Food Allergy - FAAN

Study Concludes 8 Percent of Children in the U.S. Have Food Allergy
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Largest Study on Prevalence of Food Allergy Among Children Provides New Insight on Scope of Food Allergy

The prevalence of food allergy among children in the U.S. is higher than previously reported, with 8% of children affected, according to the findings of a new study, the largest of its kind to date.

The study, published in Pediatrics, the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, also revealed that among the 5.9 million children with food allergies, 39 percent have a history of severe reactions and 30 percent have multiple food allergies.

“This study provides us with further compelling support that food allergies are a growing health concern among children in the U.S., and also gives us new information about the demographics of those with food allergies,” said FAAN CEO Maria Acebal. “We also have a window into how many of these kids have histories of serious anaphylactic reactions – nearly 40 percent. These findings reinforce the need for increased education and awareness of this potentially life-threatening medical condition.”

Researchers used a population-based, cross-sectional survey that was conducted between June 2009 and February 2010 and yielded a final sample size of more than 38,000 households, resulting in the largest prevalence study on food allergy among children.

Pediatricians, pediatric allergists, and health services researchers developed the survey, which collected information about the method of diagnosis of food allergy and reaction history as well as demographic data.

A food allergy report from a participant was included if the food allergy was confirmed with a report of a physician diagnosis or termed a “convincing food allergy,” with defined reaction symptoms such as anaphylaxis, swelling of the lips, eyes, or face, eczema, flushing, hives, and other symptoms.

Researchers also determined the prevalence of common allergens as follows: 2% for peanut, 1.7% for milk, 1.4% for shellfish, 1.0% for tree nuts, 0.8% for egg, 0.5% for fin fish, 0.4% for strawberries, 0.4% for wheat, and 0.4% for soy.

The study also showed that Asian and black children had higher odds of having a food allergy compared with white children. Odds of having a food allergy were also higher for children from geographic regions outside the Midwest. The odds of having a food allergy were significantly lower among children in households with an annual income of less than $50,000. The study’s authors indicated this could be because these children are less likely to have a medical diagnosis.

This study indicates that the impact of food allergy among children in the U.S. is even more significant than previously thought. As the authors of the study state, “These findings provide critical epidemiologic information to guide strategies for the prevention of food-induced reactions and for the diagnosis and management of childhood food allergy.”

The study was funded by the Food Allergy Initiative.

To view an abstract of the study, visit www.pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2011/06/16/peds.2011-0204.abstract

Gupta RS, Springston EE, Warrier MR, Smith B, Kumar R, Pongracic J, Holl JL. The prevalence, severity, and distribution of childhood food allergy in the United States. Pediatrics. 2011; peds.2011-0204; published ahead of print June 20, 2011, doi:10.1542/peds.2011-0204.

About FAAN

Founded in 1991, FAAN (The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network) is the world leader in information, resources, and programs for food allergy, a potentially life-threatening medical condition that afflicts approximately 12 million Americans, or one out of every 25. A nonprofit organization based in Fairfax, Va., FAAN has approximately 22,000 members in the U.S., Canada, and 58 other countries. It is dedicated to increasing public awareness of food allergy and its consequences, to educating people about the condition, and to advancing research on behalf of all those affected by it. FAAN provides information and educational resources about food allergy to patients, their families, schools, health professionals, pharmaceutical companies, the food industry, and government officials. For more information, please visit FAAN at www.foodallergy.org.

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Study Concludes 8 Percent of Children in the U.S. Have Food Allergy - FAAN