How Common Are Food Allergies in Adults?

• February 19, 2024

A study published in the JAMA Network Open medical journal sheds light on the prevalence and severity of food allergies in adults. With data from 40,443 participants, the study estimates that 10.8% of US adults are currently food allergic, contrasting sharply with the perception, as nearly 19% believe they have a food allergy. A noteworthy finding is the prevalence of adult-onset food allergies, affecting nearly half of food-allergic individuals. Additionally, 38% reported at least one food allergy-related emergency department visit, underscoring the severity and potentially life-threatening nature of this condition.

Shellfish, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, and finfish emerged as the most common allergens. Alarmingly, more than half of food-allergic individuals experienced severe reactions, 45.3% were allergic to multiple foods, and 48.0% developed food allergies in adulthood. Healthcare utilization data revealed that 24.0% had a current epinephrine prescription, emphasizing the need for emergency preparedness, while 38.3% reported at least one food allergy-related lifetime emergency department visit.

These findings emphasize the importance of addressing adult food allergies, a condition with substantial economic and health implications. The study emphasizes the critical role physicians play in confirming suspected food allergies through appropriate testing and counseling. As over 26 million US adults may be affected, accurate diagnosis is vital to prevent unnecessary food avoidance and ensure an optimal quality of life for patients.

Access Medical Labs’ allergE+ panel stands out as a state-of-the-art solution for evaluating environmental and food allergies in adults. This test utilizes nano-bead technology to measure total IgE antibodies across a broad spectrum of 295 allergens, providing comprehensive insights into patients’ sensitivities. The detailed results generated by allergE+ empower healthcare practitioners to tailor precise diet and lifestyle guidance for their patients. By identifying specific allergens triggering adverse reactions, you can work collaboratively with individuals to develop targeted strategies for symptom reduction and elimination. Learn more about allergE+ here.