Food allergies occur when
the immune system mistakenly identifies a normally harmless food protein as a
threat, leading to an allergic reaction. Each of these allergens can
cause a range of symptoms from mild to severe, and managing a food allergy
typically involves strict avoidance of the allergenic food and carrying an
epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) in case of an emergency.
MILK
Allergen: Casein & whey proteins found in cow's milk.
Milk allergies are more common in infants and young children but can be outgrown, although some people may remain allergic into adulthood.
EGGS
Allergen: Proteins in both egg whites and yolks.
Egg allergies are common in young children, though many outgrow them by around age 5.
PEANUTS
Allergen: Proteins such as Ara h1, h2 & h3 in peanuts.
Symptoms can be anything from hives and itching, gastrointestinal symptoms and respiratory issues up to severe reactions like anaphylaxis. Peanut allergies are often lifelong, and are one of the most common causes of anaphylaxis.
TREE NUTS
Allergen: Proteins in nuts such as almonds, walnuts, cashews, pistachios, hazelnuts & others.
People allergic to one type of tree nut are often advised to avoid all types of tree nuts due to cross-contamination risks.
WHEAT
Allergen: Proteins in wheat such as gluten, albumin and globulin.
Wheat allergies can sometimes be confused with celiac disease but they are different conditions. Wheat allergies are more common in children but may be outgrown with age.
SOY
Allergen: Proteins like glycinin and beta-conglycinin found in soybeans.
Symptoms can differ from skin reactions, digestive issues and in some cases, anaphylaxis. Soy allergies are often seen in young children but may decrease over time. Some people may still react to soy-based products even after outgrowing the allergy.
FISH
Allergen: Proteins like parvalbumin found in fish such as tuna, salmon and cod.
Fish allergies are often lifelong and are not typically outgrown. A person with a fish allergy may be allergic to one type of fish but still need to avoid all fish due to cross-reactivity.
SHELLFISH
Allergen: Proteins such as tropomyosin found in shellfish like crab, lobster, shrimp, oysters, mussels and clams.
Shellfish allergies are usually lifelong, and even cooking or processing the shellfish may not eliminate the allergens.