Adult food allergies: more prevalent than we thought

A lot of focus has been placed on the prevalence – and increasing prevalence – of food allergies in infants and the young; currently, it is about 8%. However, less is known about the prevalence of food allergies in older children and adults. Until recently it was estimated to be 1-2% in adults. Earlier this year, a study with over 40 000 participants was published, looking specifically at the prevalence in adults in the US. The results were quite alarming…

The study indicated that 19% of US adults believe that they have a food allergy; and the proven food allergy prevalence was reported to be 10.8% (>26 million) (only 1 in 20 of all adults had their food allergy diagnosed by a doctor)!

Some adults retain their food allergies from childhood, but the study showed that about half of all food-allergic adults developed at least one adult-onset allergy. The five most common food allergies reported were shellfish, peanut, milk, tree nut and fish, which is slightly different from the most common allergies found in childhood.

Interestingly, more women had food allergies (14%) than men (7.5%). And food allergy rates were significantly higher among racial groups other than white, even after adjustment for income, education level, and other variables.

Unfortunately, we lack data on prevalence in South Africa. However, we do know that food allergies have increased in many Western countries, and is starting to increase in developing countries, in line with economic growth and urbanisation. Based on the available evidence and statistical principles, we can expect a continuing global increase in food allergy prevalence in both adults and children, including in South Africa.

Fortunately our regulations protect food-allergic consumers so that they are able to avoid exposure to the allergens relevant to them. But more will have to be done in terms of preventing the development of food allergies. Watch this space!

FACTS can support your allergen needs. We provide allergen testing and training, and allergen control assistance. Contact us for more information.