Understanding Food Allergies
A food allergy involves a specific, reproducible immune response to a certain food. This is clinically distinct from a food intolerance (such as lactose intolerance), which lacks an immune mechanism and is generally not life-threatening. For life-threatening reactions, read our anaphylaxis emergency guide immediately.
The Top 9 Food Allergens
In the United States, 90% of severe food allergy reactions are caused by nine specific foods. Understanding cross-contact risks during food preparation is essential for each of these allergens:
- Peanuts
- Tree Nuts (e.g., walnuts, almonds)
- Milk
- Eggs
- Wheat
- Soy
- Fish
- Crustacean Shellfish
- Sesame
Diagnosis and Treatment
Food allergy diagnosis requires careful history-taking combined with allergen-specific testing. For those eligible, oral immunotherapy (OIT) is a breakthrough treatment that can raise the threshold for reaction. Schools must also have formal allergy safety plans in place.
Food Allergy Prevalence
| Allergen | US Prevalence | Outgrown by Adulthood? |
|---|---|---|
| Peanut | ~1.4% children | Rarely (~20%) |
| Milk | ~2.5% children | Often (~80%) |
| Tree Nut | ~1% adults | Rarely (~9%) |