Temporal, Age, and Racial and Ethnic Trends in Allergen Consumption from 2-Day 24-Hour Recalls, NHANES 2003-2023

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Allergy Prevention
• Public Health

Background:

• Current food allergy prevention guidelines advocate for early infant exposure to allergens, a shift from previous recommendations.
• Population-wide allergen consumption patterns in the U.S. remain under-examined, particularly concerning early introduction.
• Understanding these patterns is crucial for effective public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze trends in peanut, egg, and tree nut consumption from 2003 to 2023.
• To investigate consumption patterns across different age groups (infants, toddlers, children/adults).
• To examine variations in consumption by race and ethnicity using nationally representative data.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from 56,394 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2003-2023).
• Utilized two 24-hour dietary recalls per participant to assess allergen intake.
• Employed survey-weighted logistic regression and spline regression to model consumption patterns and trends.

Main Results:

• Infant peanut consumption was low at 6%.
• Significant racial and ethnic disparities in peanut consumption were observed after infancy.
• Egg consumption varied by age, with Mexican American participants showing the highest intake; tree nut consumption doubled in children/adults from 2003-2023.

Conclusions:

• Infant peanut consumption remains low, despite updated early introduction guidelines.
• Racial and ethnic differences in allergen consumption become apparent after infancy.
• Public health initiatives for early allergen introduction must incorporate cultural and familial dietary practices.