Food allergy: only a pediatric disease?

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Gerontology
• Allergology

Background:

• Epidemiologic studies show rising food allergies in industrialized nations, primarily in children and young adults.
• This focus creates a misconception that older adults do not develop food allergies.
• Age-related immune system changes (immunosenescence) and nutritional deficiencies (zinc, iron, vitamin D) may predispose elderly individuals to allergies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of food allergies in the elderly population.
• To highlight the underdiagnosis and underestimation of food allergies in older adults.

Main Methods:

• Review of epidemiologic data and existing literature on food allergies in different age groups.
• Analysis of factors contributing to allergy development in the elderly, including immunosenescence, micronutrient deficiencies, and gastrointestinal changes.
• Consideration of findings from mouse models regarding pharmaceutical effects on immune responses.
• Conducting a study in a geriatric nursing home setting.

Main Results:

• Age-related changes in immune function (immunosenescence) can impact allergy development.
• Micronutrient deficiencies (zinc, iron, vitamin D) are potential contributing factors.
• Reduced stomach digestive capacity (e.g., atrophic gastritis, anti-ulcer medication) may lead to undigested proteins becoming allergenic.
• Mouse models suggest certain medications can promote allergic immune responses (Th2) in both young and aged animals.
• Previous reports and the authors' study suggest food allergies are underdiagnosed and underestimated in the elderly.

Conclusions:

• Food allergies may be more prevalent in the elderly than commonly perceived.
• Factors such as immunosenescence, nutritional status, and gastrointestinal changes increase allergy risk in older adults.
• Further research and clinical attention are needed to address the underdiagnosis of food allergies in the geriatric population.