Food allergies affect millions of people worldwide, causing adverse reactions when certain foods are consumed. These allergies can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening emergencies. Let’s delve into the nine most common food allergens and explore their causes and symptoms to ensure that consumers make informed choices.
Cow’s Milk
Cow’s milk allergies are common and prevalent among infants and toddlers, affecting approximately 2–3% of this age group. Fortunately, the vast majority of children outgrow this allergy by the age of 3 and is thus less common in adults. Symptoms may manifest quickly, often within minutes of milk consumption or can take several hours. These can include swelling of the tongue, difficulty breathing, vomiting, and hives. In severe cases, anaphylaxis—an immediate and life-threatening reaction—may occur. Unfortunately this means any foods or drinks containing dairy – cheese, ice cream, yogurt, milkshakes, butter, and more – must be avoided. These days, however, many dairy-free alternatives are available so people can still enjoy their favorite treats.
Eggs
Egg allergies are number two on the list and are especially common in children. Because of the slight difference in egg yolk protein and egg white protein it is possible to have an allergic reaction from one or the other. Symptoms can occur within minutes or several hours and range from mild skin rashes to moderate gastrointestinal distress to severe anaphylaxis. Fortunately, many children outgrow egg allergies as they age but others continue to experience egg-related allergic reactions as they move into adulthood.
Tree Nuts
Tree nuts, as the name suggests, are those from trees. The nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, cashews, pistachios, and more are potent allergens and even trace amounts can trigger reactions. Symptoms may include itching, swelling, and difficulty breathing. Anaphylaxis is a significant concern for those with tree nut allergies and so carrying an EpiPen is strongly advised. Unlike other allergies, tree nut allergies are rarely outgrown and must be managed throughout life.
Peanuts
Although ‘nut’ is in the name, peanuts are legumes as they are grown underground. However, it’s not uncommon to have both peanut allergies and a tree nut allergy. Like tree nut allergies, peanut allergies are widespread and can cause severe reactions. Symptoms include skin rashes, digestive issues, and respiratory distress. Strict avoidance is crucial for individuals with peanut allergies. Fortunately, nearly 20% of childhood sufferers tend to outgrow their allergy.
Shellfish
Shellfish allergies encompass both crustaceans (such as shrimp, crab, and lobster) and mollusks (like clams, mussels, and oysters). Symptoms can occur quickly and range from mild itching to gastric distress to anaphylaxis. Shellfish allergies typically persist throughout adulthood. Interestingly, shellfish allergies aren’t discovered until adulthood since shellfish is often not commonly eaten by children.
Wheat
Wheat allergy can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms, skin rashes, and respiratory issues. While symptoms can be similar it’s essential to differentiate between wheat allergy and celiac disease. A wheat allergy is caused by a reaction to proteins found in wheat whereas celiac disease is an autoimmune reaction to gluten. Wheat allergy sufferers can gluten in grains that don’t contain wheat but those with celiac disease must avoid any grain with gluten.
Soy
Soybeans are a common allergen and can cause an allergic response to proteins in the soybean or soybean-based foods. A small percentage of children are affected by soy allergies but a significant number do eventually outgrow them. It is not uncommon for children to not only have soy allergies, but also other allergies like cow’s milk or peanuts. Symptoms may include hives, digestive discomfort, and respiratory issues. Although rare, soy allergies can cause anaphylaxis. Soy is prevalent in Asian cuisine and other processed foods, so awareness is crucial.
Fish
Most people with fish allergies are allergic to all fish, due to near-identical proteins found in all fish. Fish allergies can be severe, with symptoms like skin rashes, swelling, difficulty breathing, and, rarely anaphylaxis. Like those with nut allergies it is strongly advised that people with fish allergies carry an epinephrine auto-injector. Fortunately, those with shellfish allergies may be able to enjoy fish with fins, and vice-versa, as the two species don’t have the same allergy-causing proteins. As with shellfish, fish allergies aren’t discovered until people reach adulthood since fish is not a common food for children, at least in many western countries.
Sesame
Sesame allergies are gaining attention due to their prevalence and potential severity. Symptoms include skin reactions, gastrointestinal distress, and anaphylaxis. Sesame is present in various foods, so label reading is essential.
A national food safety attorney says that understanding these common food allergens empowers consumers to make informed choices. If a food allergy is suspected, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and management. Remember, early recognition and avoidance are key to preventing allergic reactions.
