What Foods Cause 90% of Food Allergies, Worldwide?

What Is a Food Allergy?

A food allergy happens when your immune system mistakes specific proteins in food as harmful. Once your body identifies this as a threat, even a tiny amount of consuming that food can cause symptoms like hives, swelling, stomach pain, or in severe cases, difficulty breathing.

In 2004, the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) identified eight major food allergens in the United States: milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans.

On April 23, 2021, the Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research (FASTER) Act officially added sesame as the ninth food allergen in the United States. In fact, approximately 90% of all food allergy reactions come from just these nine foods.

The Top Allergic Foods

Here are the most allergenic foods worldwide:

1. Peanuts: peanut allergies are widespread and can be very serious; this is also one of the top 3 allergens among children. (Fun fact: roasted peanuts compared to boiled peanuts have a greater allergy potential.)

   
   

2. Tree Nuts: this large category of nuts includes cashews, walnuts, almonds, pecans, hazelnuts, pistachios, Brazil nuts, and more. While it is very common to be allergic to more than one tree nut, having a "tree nut allergy" does not mean you are allergic to all.

   
   

3. Milk: cow's milk is another top 3 allergen among children, and similar (while not identical) in protein composition to goat's milk. Having a cow's milk allergy can put you/your child at risk of consuming insufficient calcium; supplementation may be helpful to meet nutritional goals.

   
   

4. Eggs: while egg white proteins are usually the culprit for allergic reactions, both the whites and yolks can trigger reactions. (Another fun fact: my son's egg allergy at 6 months old was our first parental experience with food allergies).

   
   

5. Wheat: wheat contains proteins like gluten which can cause allergic reactions. This is a different condition from Celiac Disease, which is marked by damage in the small intestine when consuming wheat/rye/barley and a wheat or gluten intolerance, which is not life-threatening.

   
   

6. Soy: soy is found in many processed foods, making it tricky to avoid. Interestingly, soy lecithin is so highly processed that many people with a soybean allergy are able to tolerate this food stabilizer.
   

7. Fish: fish allergies may include salmon, tuna, and halibut. These allergies are typically resistant to outgrowing and may be life-long. Fish allergies are also commonly diagnosed in adulthood.

   
   

8. Shellfish: shellfish include shrimp, crab, lobster, and other crustaceans. Shellfish allergies, like fish allergies, are also commonly diagnosed later in life.

   
   

9. Sesame: sesame is now recognized as a major allergen in many countries due to the rising cases of individuals with this allergy. Sesame may be challenging to avoid as they are often found in breads, baked goods, and in restaurants.

A Quick Stat Check

Food allergies are becoming more prevalent, worldwide, increasing increasing the need for greater awareness.

• Approximately 6 million children are among the 33 million Americans who suffer from food allergies. (Source: Food Allergy Research & Education - FARE)

• At least 2 out of 5 children (40%) have had food allergy reactions that required ER treatment. (Source: CDC)

Living with Food Allergies

If you or someone you know has a food allergy, the most important thing is to:

• Seek medical care with an allergist and nutritional support with a dietitian

• Read ingredient labels carefully

• Inform restaurants and friends when eating outside of the home

• Keep emergency medication (like epinephrine and antihistamines) with you at all times

  
  

Food allergies are serious, but having support on how to manage food allergies creates a more confident, empowering, and safe lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which food is the most common cause of allergies?

Peanuts are often reported as the most common cause of severe allergic reactions, though it varies by age group and country.

2. Can food allergies develop later in life?

Yes. Even if you’ve eaten a food for years without trouble, allergies can appear in adulthood. Shellfish and fish allergies often begin later in life.

3. Are food allergies the same as food intolerances?

No. Allergies involve the immune system and can be life-threatening, while intolerances usually affect digestion and are not life-threatening.

4. How can I prevent food allergies?

To help prevent food allergies, consult an allergy nutritionist for personalized guidance on safe food introduction, risk reduction, and effective allergy management strategies. Moreover, introducing common allergenic foods (such as peanuts, eggs, and dairy) early and in small amounts, under medical guidance, may lower the chance of developing allergies.