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Prevalence of sensitization reported and objectively assessed food hypersensitivity amongst six-year-old children: a
Carina Venter1, Brett Pereira, Jane Grundy
1The David Hide Asthma and Allergy Research Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Newport, Isle of Wight, UK.
Insights
Parentally reported food hypersensitivity (FHS) is common in six-year-olds, but objective diagnosis reveals a lower prevalence. Milk, peanut, and wheat were the most common allergens identified in this UK population-based study.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
- Epidemiology
- Clinical Nutrition
Background:
- Limited population-based data exists on food hypersensitivity (FHS) in young children.
- Understanding the prevalence of FHS and allergen sensitization is crucial for public health initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of parentally reported and objectively diagnosed FHS in six-year-old children.
- To establish sensitization rates to key food allergens in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- A population-based cohort study involving 798 six-year-old children on the Isle of Wight, UK.
- Assessment included parent-reported FHS, skin prick tests, and objective food challenges (open and double-blind).
Main Results:
- 11.8% of children reported FHS, while objective food challenges indicated a prevalence of 1.6% to 2.5%.
- Sensitization rates to a panel of food allergens were 3.6%.
- Perceived FHS rates exceeded objectively diagnosed FHS and allergen sensitization rates.
Conclusions:
- Parental perception of FHS in young children is higher than objective clinical diagnosis.
- Milk, peanut, and wheat were the most frequent allergens identified through objective challenges.
- Further research is needed to understand the discrepancy between perceived and actual FHS.
Abstract:
There is a paucity of information on food hypersensitivity (FHS) in young children and there are even fewer population-based studies in this area. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of parentally reported FHS, and objectively diagnosed FHS amongst six-year-old children and to establish the rates of sensitization to key allergens. This population-based cohort study recruited 798 6-year-olds resident on the Isle of Wight (UK). Sensitization rates, reported rates of FHS and objectively assessed FHS was established using food challenges. A total of 94 (11.8%) 6 yr olds reported a problem with a food or food ingredient. The rate of sensitization to the pre-defined panel of food allergens was 25/700 (3.6%). Based on open food challenge and/or suggestive history and skin tests, the prevalence of FHS was 2.5% (95% CI 1.5-3.8). Based on double-blind challenges, a clinical diagnosis or suggestive history and positive skin tests, the prevalence was 1.6% (95% CI 0.9-2.7). The rates of perception of FHS are higher than the prevalence of sensitization to main food allergens and the prevalence of FHS based on food challenges. Milk, peanut and wheat were the key food allergens amongst those with positive challenges.
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