Inner-city children at higher risk for food allergies

Though children born and raised in city environments are known to be more prone to asthma and environmental allergies, a recent study has identified a higher risk for food allergies as well. According to research led by scientists at the Johns Hopkins Children's Center, at least one in 10 children from major city environments has a food allergy compared to just a mere 6 percent national average.

"Our findings are a wake-up call, signaling an urgent need to unravel the causes, contributors and mechanisms that drive the high prevalence of food allergies among an already vulnerable group known for its high risk of asthma and environmental allergies," senior investigator Robert Wood, M.D., director of pediatric allergy and immunology at Johns Hopkins, said in a press release.

The study followed 516 inner-city children from Baltimore, Boston, New York City and St. Louis, and analyzed blood samples for the presence of food-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies – precursors to the development of food allergies. About 55 percent of the children tested positive for a sensitivity to milk, eggs or peanuts, while 10 percent had a full-blown allergy. Approximately 17 percent were reported as "possibly allergic," having elevated antibodies but no history of allergic reaction.

Food allergies have been on the rise across the nation over the last 20 years, with specific allergies such as peanuts rising as much as 50 percent.

Children with food allergies are also more likely to develop other allergies later on, including environmental allergies and related symptoms.

If you are concerned about your child being exposed to allergens, be sure to invest in high-quality allergy control products, such as hypoallergenic bedding, from Allergy Be Gone to reduce the impact that environmental allergies have on their quality of life.