Understanding the Most Common Food Allergies
Even with all the development in the world, common food allergies are still affecting people’s lives with their potentially life-threatening consequences.
Thus, understanding food allergy and all its attached details is important and has worldwide impacts on general health.
In this article, we are going to share with you updated information about common food allergies, with tips for managing common types of food allergies.
What Is Food Allergy?
A food allergy reaction term can be used when talking about the immune system identifying certain proteins in food as harmful, and then producing antibodies to fight off these supposed threats, causing an allergic reaction.
Food allergies can range from mild to severe, with symptoms such as hives, stomach pain, vomiting, and even anaphylaxis, which is considered a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction.
The 8 Common Food Allergens:
We can say that any food could cause a food allergy based on each individual unique immune system, however, there are common food allergies that are known as the “Big Eight” that are considered the biggest food allergens:
Milk
Milk allergy is one of the most common childhood food allergies, affecting 2–3% of babies and toddlers. Fortunately, nearly 90% of children outgrow this allergy by the age of 3. However, in rare cases, milk allergy persists into adulthood, requiring lifelong management.
Reactions to milk can occur minutes after consumption or even hours later. Symptoms include skin rashes like hives or eczema, digestive discomfort such as vomiting or diarrhea, and in severe cases, life-threatening anaphylaxis.
To manage a milk allergy, it is essential to avoid all products derived from cow’s milk. Common foods to avoid include:
- Milk and milk powder
- Cheese
- Butter and margarine
- Yogurt and cream
- Ice cream and custards
Breastfeeding mothers of allergic babies may also need to eliminate cow’s milk from their diet, as the proteins can pass through breast milk. For formula-fed infants, healthcare providers may recommend hypoallergenic formulas to reduce reactions. Always check ingredient labels for hidden milk proteins like casein and whey.
Eggs
Egg allergy is another common food allergy, particularly among children. Proteins in the egg whites are the most common triggers, but some people may also react to egg yolks. While many children outgrow this allergy by adolescence, it can persist into adulthood in certain cases.
Symptoms of egg allergy may include skin rashes, nasal congestion, digestive distress, and, in severe instances, anaphylaxis. Reactions can occur immediately after eating eggs or foods containing eggs.
Avoiding eggs entirely is the most effective management strategy. Foods to avoid include:
- Whole eggs (boiled, scrambled, or fried)
- Mayonnaise
- Baked goods like cakes, muffins, and cookies
- Sauces such as Hollandaise and custards
- Egg noodles
For cooking and baking, egg substitutes like applesauce, mashed bananas, or flaxseed meal can be used. When dining out, always inform restaurant staff about your allergy to prevent cross-contamination.
Fish
Fish allergies are more common in adults than children and often develop later in life. This allergy is usually lifelong and can be triggered by any fish species, including salmon, tuna, and cod.
Reactions to fish can range from mild symptoms like hives or nausea to more severe reactions such as difficulty breathing and anaphylaxis. Symptoms may occur immediately after consuming fish or inhaling airborne proteins released during cooking.
People with fish allergies should avoid:
- Fresh, frozen, or canned fish (e.g., tuna, salmon)
- Fish sauces
- Soups or stews made with fish stock
- Supplements containing fish oils
Avoiding fish markets and seafood restaurants is advisable, as airborne proteins may trigger reactions. For those with severe allergies, carrying an epinephrine auto-injector is critical.
Shellfish
Shellfish allergy is one of the most severe food allergies and is usually lifelong. Shellfish allergies are the top food allergy for adults and the overall population. It includes allergies to crustaceans (shrimp, crab, lobster) and mollusks (clams, oysters, squid). Reactions can be severe, with symptoms like swelling, difficulty breathing, and anaphylaxis.
Symptoms typically appear soon after consuming shellfish, but even trace amounts or cross-contamination can cause reactions.
Foods to avoid include:
- Shrimp, crab, lobster
- Clams, mussels, scallops, and oysters
- Squid and octopus
- Bouillabaisse and seafood soups
- Sauces or broths containing shellfish extracts
Careful communication with restaurant staff is vital to prevent accidental exposure. Cross-contamination in kitchens is common, so verifying preparation methods is necessary. Always carry prescribed emergency medication.
Tree Nuts
Tree nut allergies are among the most severe food allergies and are typically lifelong. Common tree nuts include almonds, walnuts, cashews, hazelnuts, and pistachios.
Reactions to tree nuts can range from skin irritation and swelling to digestive issues and anaphylaxis, even from minimal exposure. Cross-contamination in processed foods is a significant risk.
Foods to avoid include:
- Whole nuts and nut butters (e.g., almond or cashew butter)
- Nut oils
- Baked goods like cookies and cakes with nuts
- Cereals, granola, and snack bars containing nuts
People with tree nut allergies should read labels carefully and look for nut-free certifications on packaged products. Nut-free alternatives like sunflower seed butter can be excellent substitutes.
Peanuts
Peanut allergy is one of the most common and severe food allergies, particularly in children. It’s the third-most common food allergy along children and adults. Unlike many other allergies, peanut allergy often persists into adulthood.
Symptoms appear quickly and may include hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, and anaphylaxis. Peanuts can also be hidden in processed foods, making vigilance essential.
Foods to avoid include:
- Peanuts and peanut butter
- Peanut oils
- Candy bars and baked goods with peanuts
- Processed foods that may contain traces of peanuts
For those with peanut allergies, strict avoidance is critical. Carrying an epinephrine auto-injector and checking food labels carefully are key to managing this allergy safely.
Wheat
Wheat allergy involves an immune response to proteins found in wheat and is different from celiac disease or gluten intolerance. It is more common in children but can persist into adulthood.
Symptoms include hives, nasal congestion, digestive discomfort, and respiratory problems. Reactions can occur after consuming wheat or inhaling wheat flour during cooking.
Foods to avoid include:
- Wheat-based bread, pasta, and baked goods
- Cereals and crackers containing wheat
- Soups, sauces, and gravies thickened with wheat flour
- Beer and other wheat-based beverages
Gluten-free products like rice, quinoa, and corn-based alternatives can be excellent substitutes. Always consult a healthcare provider for tailored advice on managing wheat allergy.
Soy
Soy allergy is common in infants and young children, though many outgrow it by adulthood. It is triggered by proteins in soy-based products like tofu, soy milk, and processed foods.
Symptoms of soy allergy include skin irritation, digestive discomfort, and, in severe cases, anaphylaxis. Reactions can occur shortly after consuming soy or soy-containing products.
Foods to avoid include:
- Tofu and soy milk
- Soy sauce and soy-based snacks
- Processed foods containing soy protein or soy lecithin
- Vegetable oil blends that may include soy oil
For those with soy allergies, reading ingredient labels is crucial, as soy can be hidden in unexpected products. Soy-free milk alternatives like almond or oat milk are safe options.
6 Tips for Managing a Common Food Allergy:
This is really important for you if you, or any family member, are dealing with one of the common types of food allergies, as we know that managing a common food allergy can be exhausting.
However, with the right knowledge and safety measures, you can prevent food allergy and manage it, when happens, effectively.
More than that, here are some real tips to help you organize and face life with common food allergies:
1. Education and Awareness:
Read about your diagnosed food allergy, and understand the symptoms, potential cross-contamination risks, and hidden sources of allergens, to know how you should react and be able to make informed decisions about your food choices.
2. Read Labels and Ask Questions:
Always read food labels carefully, even if you have eaten the product before, as ingredients could be changed, and some allergens may be added.
Moreover, when dining out or purchasing prepared foods, ask about the ingredients and potential cross-contamination risks to guarantee your safety.
3. Carry Emergency Medication:
If you have a common food allergy or a rare one, you should carry an epinephrine auto-injector prescribed by your healthcare provider with you all the time.
4. Plan Ahead:
When attending events or social gatherings, inform the host or organizer about your food allergy in advance, so, they can be ready with suitable accommodations and ensure there are safe food options available for you.
5. Seek Support:
Connect with support groups or online communities of individuals with food allergies, as sharing experiences, tips, and resources can be really helpful in managing your common food allergy, in addition, to all the psychological support.
6. Communicate:
Clearly share your food allergy with restaurant staff, friends, and family, moreover, when dining out, ask about ingredient replacements or alternative meal options.
Sharing helps you and helps others to understand the seriousness of your allergy and guide them to take appropriate precautions.
Support and Resources for Individuals with Common Food Allergies:
People with common food allergies could face unique challenges with their dietary needs, yet, having support systems and resources is necessary to help them manage their allergies, and live a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle.
· Allergy Support Groups:
These groups provide a sense of community, understanding, and support, moreover, popular options include Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) and local allergy support groups.
· Online Communities:
Online communities are more than popular nowadays, furthermore, provide a safe space to ask questions, and share experiences for people and families with food allergy members, more than that, give access to valuable information on allergy-friendly products, recipes, and restaurants.
· Allergy Organizations:
Examples include FARE, The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), and the Anaphylaxis Campaign.
These organizations offer support networks, educational materials, research updates, and assistance in navigating food labels and cross-contamination concerns.
· Allergy-Friendly Recipe Websites:
As a part of the growing online communities, many websites and blogs developed a section specifically for individuals with rare and common food allergies.
These platforms offer collections of allergy-friendly recipes, substitution ideas, and cooking tips to make life easier.
· Professional Guidance:
Checking your food allergy condition with a healthcare professional, such as an allergist or registered dietitian, is required to manage food allergies effectively.
As they can provide personalized advice, guidance on allergen avoidance, and assistance in formulating safe and balanced meal plans.
Prevalence of Food Allergies in the UAE:
Due to what doctors call the “too clean” environment, the food allergy rate in the UAE is increasing, particularly among kids and young people, especially with all the development, the awareness level increased and so has the number of common food allergies.
One of the more recent causes of food allergies in the UAE is sesame, a popular ingredient in Middle Eastern cuisine, as well as other types of seeds and nuts.
Previous studies carried out in the UAE revealed a prevalence rate of 7.3% of asthma and allergic rhinitis which were caused mainly by pollen, mold spores, and dust mite allergens in the air, moreover, prevalence of food allergy among children in UAE is 8% with a significant association with family history.
The risk factors attributed to the increasing prevalence of allergies among the Gulf countries include globalization resulting in substantial environmental changes such as increased exposure to pollen due to antidesertification projects and genetic factors may also contribute to the prevalence in certain ethnic groups.
More than that, epidemiological studies from the Gulf region on allergic disorders have shown significant discrepancies in the prevalence of asthma and other allergic disorders as well as variations in the possible risk factors.
Food Allergy Diagnosis and Testing:
Available food allergy tests include numerous methods to help identify the specific food allergens that may trigger allergic reactions, and the testing process typically includes the following steps:
- Medical History: Having a detailed knowledge of the medical history is often the first step in diagnosing common food allergies.
- Physical Examination: A professional physical examination may assess doctors to notice any physical signs or symptoms related to common food allergies.
- Elimination Diet: This method involves removing assumed allergenic foods from the individual’s diet and monitoring for symptom improvement, to find the potential trigger foods and guide further diagnostic testing.
- Food Diary: Keeping a food diary or symptom log can help track symptoms and detect potential patterns or connections with specific food intake.
- Skin Prick Test: This can be done by placing a small number of allergenic extracts onto the patient’s skin and pricking or scratching the area.
Then noticing if any allergic reaction occurs (redness, swelling, itching), it indicates a possible allergic response to that specific food allergen. - Blood Tests: High levels of specific IgE antibodies can indicate an allergic response to particular food allergens. MADx offers advanced multiplex testing through the ALEX² (Allergy Xplorer) platform, which is the first ELISA-based in-vitro multiplex allergy test. ALEX² allows simultaneous measurement of total IgE (tIgE) and specific IgE (sIgE) against up to 300 allergens, including 178 molecular allergens; the widest range available on the market. This comprehensive allergen panel enhances diagnostic precision and supports individualized, evidence-based therapy for each patient, ensuring optimal management of food allergies.
Finally,
Understanding common food allergies, knowing their symptoms, and implementing effective management strategies will help you improve your life quality.
Therefore, always educate yourself, be careful with food label reading, and seek support, to safely navigate a world filled with potential allergenic triggers, and do not forget that we are here are ready to support you with the latest medical supplies.