CDC Says Food Allergies Increasing In Children

ATLANTAThe prevalence of food allergies increased in children under age 18 years from 3.4% in 1997 to 5.1% in 2011, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released today. Skin allergies rose from 7.4% to 12.5% in the same time period; however, they decreased with age.

The prevalence of respiratory allergies remained constant, at 17%, between 1997 and 2011, although it remained the most common type of allergy affecting children. Interestingly, the prevalence of respiratory allergies increased with age.

The prevalence of allergies varies by race and ethnicity, with Hispanic children having the lowest prevalence of food, skin, and respiratory allergies compared with non-Hispanic Caucasians and non-Hispanic black children. Non-Hispanic black children were more likely to have skin allergies and less likely to have respiratory allergies compared with non-Hispanic Caucasian children.

The report also found food and respiratory allergy prevalence increased with income level, with children with family income equal to or greater than 200% of the poverty level reporting the highest prevalence rates. There was no difference in the prevalence of skin allergy by poverty status.

In March 2013, The University of Manchester kicked off the worlds biggest study on food allergies that will have far-reaching consequences for consumers and food producers. The evidence base and tools that result from the study will support more transparent precautionary may contain" labeling of allergens in foods which will make life easier for allergy sufferers as they try to avoid problem foods."

The 9 million project builds on an earlier 14.3 million research study and will involve the worlds leading experts in the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia and the United States. The research project, which is expected to take three years to complete, also will work with groups of babies and groups of children who have been followed from birth in a number of countries to look at allergy and give advice on diet in pregnancy and early life.