WASHINGTON, DC – Black male children are particularly at risk for food allergy, according to researchers who examined the results from the first representative U.S. survey where quantitative sensitization to various foods was investigated.

 

Presented at the 2009 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), the study involved 8,203 participants, ranging in age from 1 to 85, from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005-2006. Each of these individuals was found to have serum-specific IgE to egg, milk, peanut and shrimp.

 

Taking this sample, Andrew H. Liu, MD, and colleagues investigated the prevalence and demographic risk factors for food allergic sensitization and levels of sensitization more likely associated with clinical food allergy. Sensitization levels were each defined using specific quantitative increments.

 

Analysis showed that the estimated prevalence for clinical food allergy was 2.55%, with peanut and shrimp being the most common allergens. Blacks, males and children, especially black male children, were found to have higher levels of sensitization associated with clinical food allergy.

 

In addition, the prevalence of food sensitization was 16.8%, again with peanut and shrimp being the most common, and was significantly higher in children, males, non-Hispanic blacks and persons of lower income.

 

The AAAAI represents allergists, asthma specialists, clinical immunologists, allied health professionals and others with a special interest in the research and treatment of allergic disease. Established in 1943, the AAAAI has more than 6,500 members in the United States, Canada and 60 other countries.