Research shows 45% of food allergies develop in adulthood

While allergies often occur in children, new research suggests that almost half of all adults suffering with a food allergy developed it during adulthood.

The research, presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) Annual Scientific Meeting, shows that the prevalence of food allergies is increasing in both adults and children.

“Food allergies are often seen as a condition that begins in childhood, so the idea that 45% of adults with food allergies develop them in adulthood is surprising,” said Ruchi Gupta, ACAAI member and lead author of the study.

After evaluating 53,575 American adults, the study found that the most common food allergy is shellfish, with a 44% increase in cases since 2014. These numbers have risen to 3.6%, while adult tree nut allergy — another commonly reported allergy — has risen from 0.5% in 2008 to 1.8%.

Gupta noted that “the incidence of food allergies in adults is rising across all ethnic groups”. Researchers also found that ethnicity may impact a person’s vulnerability to allergy onset in adulthood, with black, Hispanic and Asian individuals more at risk than white individuals.

“Our research also found that among black, Asian and Hispanic adults, the risk of developing a food allergy to certain foods is higher than for whites, specifically for shellfish and peanuts,” said food allergy researcher and study co-author Christopher Warren. “For example, Asian adults were 2.1 times more likely to report a shellfish allergy than white adults, and Hispanic adults reported a peanut allergy at 2.3 times the frequency of white adults.”

Due to the misconception that allergies develop in childhood rather than adulthood, many adults affected by a food allergy fail to identify it and get it tested. While some people may have food intolerances and sensitivities, Warren stresses the importance of monitoring reactions to food and seeking help when necessary.

“It is important to see an allergist for testing and diagnosis if you are having a reaction to a food and suspect a food allergy,” Warren stated.

If any suspicious reactions to food occur at any age, allergists will be able to detect the allergy and prevent any unpleasant or dangerous reactions to food.