Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2025
Candidate Gene Testing in Clinical Cohort Studies with Multiplexed Genotyping and Mass Spectrometry
Published on: June 21, 2018
Prevalence and Influencing Factors of Food Allergy in Global Context: A Meta-Analysis
Hua Feng1,2, Xiujuan Xiong3, Zhuo Chen1
1State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.
Introduction:
This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence and influencing factors of food allergy (FA) in different regions and populations.
Methods:
The studies from January 2011 to December 2021 were searched through PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases. The prevalence of FA was evaluated by calculating the pooled effect estimates and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The odds ratio (OR) value was used to investigate the influencing factors of FA. Heterogeneity analysis among studies was performed using I2 analysis. Sensitivity analysis was performed to assess the stability of the results, and Begg's test was used to assess publication bias.
Results:
A total of 105 published articles, including 3,318,608 participants, were involved in this study. The result indicated that the overall FA prevalence was 4.3% (95% CI: 0.038-0.047). The prevalence of FA was 4.2% in Asia (95% CI: 0.033-0.051), 3.2% in America (95% CI: 0.024-0.041), 4.8% in Europe (95% CI: 0.037-0.060), 1.6% in Africa (95% CI: 0.008-0.026), and 7.5% in Oceania (95% CI: 0.052-0.102). Milk (prevalence: 1.1%, 95% CI: 0.009-0.013) and egg (prevalence: 1.1%, 95% CI: 0.008-0.014) were the most common type of FAs. Male (OR: 1.289, 95% CI: 1.001-1.659), antibiotics exposure during pregnancy (OR: 1.221, 95% CI: 1.162-1.284), breastfeeding (OR: 1.349, 95% CI: 1.011-1.799), asthma (OR: 1.794, 95% CI: 1.443-2.230), eczema (OR: 5.121, 95% CI: 3.575-7.334), family history of atopic disease (OR: 1.893, 95% CI: 1.313-2.730), family history of FAs (OR: 2.096, 95% CI: 1.686-2.594), family history of atopic dermatitis (OR: 1.954, 95% CI: 1.645-2.322), family history of asthma (OR: 1.516, 95% CI: 1.370-1.678), and family history of allergic rhinitis/conjunctivitis (OR: 1.287, 95% CI: 1.191-1.392) increased the risk of FA.
Conclusion:
There were geographical differences in the prevalence of FA. Identification and nursing of FA high-risk populations should be strengthened to improve the quality of life.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
02:06Allergic Reactions
01:27Allergic Drug Reactions
01:29Factors Affecting Protein-Drug Binding: Patient-Related Factors
Age stands as a key determinant in protein-drug binding. Neonates, characterized by low albumin content, experience heightened concentrations of unbound drugs such as phenytoin and...
00:42Cross-reactivity
01:20Factors Affecting Protein-Drug Binding: Protein-Related Factors
The physicochemical properties of a drug play a significant role in its ability to bind to proteins. Lipophilic drugs, which dissolve in fats, oils, and lipids, can be...