Incidence of Food Allergies Rising in U.S.

I just read the results of the first report by the Centers for Disease Control (C.D.C.) on food allergies. It was published today. I encourage every one to read at least the summary. Remember, this is an arm of the government, not the allergy association. The news is not good. The number of people affected by food allergies is increasing. Four percent of school age children now have food allergies. This was an increase of 18%. One possible explanation is that people are simply being diagnosed better compared to just year ago. I agree this seems unlikely, in just one year. Some others facts: the same eight foods account for 90% of food allergies (soy, wheat, egg, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish). The incidence of food allergies is slightly higher in preschool aged children. Boys and girls seem to be affected equally. Other allergic diseases (respiratory, asthma) occur 3-4x more often if they have food allergies. All races can get food allergies.

If you want to read more, please go to the Food Allergy Network or other sites listed in the top left corner of my home page.