Dive Brief:
- Children with a food allergy in their medical history may be more susceptible to developing asthma and allergic rhinitis during childhood, according to a new study recently published in BMC Pediatrics.
- Asthma and allergic rhinitis are among the most common medical conditions for kids in the U.S.
- Among children who were studied continuously from birth to age five, 8% of children between birth and age five had at least one food allergy, with diagnosis most commonly occurring between 12 and 17 months of age.
Dive Insight:
Previous studies have suggested the same, but they were generally small and limited. This is the largest study to date of its kind, which lends credence to the suggestion that manufacturers might consider avoiding certain ingredients that are common allergens, including in children's products.
While manufacturers already know of the eight major allergens, the study population recorded proportionately higher instances of allergies to peanut, milk, shellfish and soy. Wheat allergy was more rare. That doesn't seem to fit with the narrative surrounding a rise in cases of gluten intolerance and celiac disease, which has driven the gluten-free diet trend in recent years.
This kind of research can cause parents to avoid foods with certain allergens to reduce the risk of their children developing asthma and allergic rhinitis. Sugar has been a major focus for parents, but allergens are another, especially if researchers continue to tie food allergies to other ailments in children.