Common food Allergens
Any food can cause an allergic reaction. However, in the United States, eight foods account for approximately 90 percent of food allergies and include cow's milk, hen's egg, peanut, soybean, tree nuts, wheat, fish, and shellfish.
The most common allergens among infants and children include
The most common allergens among adults include
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Learn more about the difference between a food allergy and a food intolerance by watching the short video above (AAAAI, 2020)
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Food allergies can occur in both children and adults. While children often outgrow a food allergy, a food allergy can also develop in adulthood. For example, people sometimes develop food allergies to shellfish or tree nuts later in life.
Food allergy is a term used loosely and often confused by someone with a milk (lactose) intolerance or gluten sensitivity. For example, lactose (a sugar found in milk) intolerance involves the digestive system, and while it can impair life quality, it is not life-threatening. Cow's milk allergy affects the immune system and can be fatal. Therefore, a proper diagnosis by a board-certified allergist is vital.
If you or your child has a food allergy, it is essential to carry emergency medications and an emergency action plan (EAP) signed by your medical provider. It is also crucial to provide your employer or your child's school and caregivers with a copy of the signed EAP.
Food allergy is a term used loosely and often confused by someone with a milk (lactose) intolerance or gluten sensitivity. For example, lactose (a sugar found in milk) intolerance involves the digestive system, and while it can impair life quality, it is not life-threatening. Cow's milk allergy affects the immune system and can be fatal. Therefore, a proper diagnosis by a board-certified allergist is vital.
If you or your child has a food allergy, it is essential to carry emergency medications and an emergency action plan (EAP) signed by your medical provider. It is also crucial to provide your employer or your child's school and caregivers with a copy of the signed EAP.