Food Allergies: More common in children then previously thought

by: Thomas Lupoli, D.O.

A large study published this week in Pediatrics found that food allergies among children are more common than previously thought.  The study reported that 8 percent of US children (about 6 million children!) are allergic to one or more foods.  Previous estimates varied but were a low as 2 percent. As allergists, we are acutely aware of the prevalence and perils of food allergies.  A sobering, recent article posted by CNN underscores the hazardous reality of the condition and emphasizes the importance of timely allergy evaluation and education:

(http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/06/20/food.allergies.pediatrics/index.html).

More general information about food allergies and allergy evaluation can be found at: http://www.foodallergy.org/section/about-food-allergy