Food-triggered anaphylaxis in adults.

Area of Science:

• Allergy and Immunology
• Clinical Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Adult food allergy is a growing health concern, with new cases emerging in adulthood.
• While drug reactions are common causes of anaphylaxis, food triggers are increasingly significant in adults.
• Food allergy triggers in adults vary widely and differ from those typically seen in children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of adult food allergy prevalence and triggers.
• To highlight emerging food allergens and co-factors implicated in adult anaphylaxis.
• To emphasize the need for further research into adult food allergy.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent studies on adult food allergy.
• Analysis of reported cases of food-induced anaphylaxis in adults.
• Synthesis of findings on specific food triggers and co-factors.

Main Results:

• Peanuts, soy (including natto), and red meat (due to galactose-α-1,3-galactose sensitization) are significant triggers.
• Changing dietary habits are increasing the relevance of legumes and plant-based foods in anaphylaxis.
• Co-factor induced anaphylaxis is associated with wheat allergy and lipid transfer protein allergy.

Conclusions:

• Urgent research is required to fully characterize adult food allergy, including triggers and severity.
• Unusual food triggers and co-factors must be considered for accurate diagnosis and management.
• Improved understanding will help prevent adult anaphylaxis from being misdiagnosed as idiopathic.