The prevalence of food allergy is increasing. Many children are allergic to one or more of the following foods (food groups): wheat, dairy products, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, sea food, corn.

Studies show that 6% to 8% of children younger than 3 years experience adverse reactions to foods.

Population-based studies document a prevalence of:

• Cow milk allergy in 1.9% to 3.2% of infants and young children

• Egg allergy in 2.6% of children by age 2.5 years

• Peanut allergy in 0.4% to 0.6% of those younger than 18 years

• The typical allergens of infancy and early childhood are egg, milk, peanut, wheat, and soy

• Allergens that are responsible for severe reactions in older children and adults are primarily caused by peanut, tree nuts, and seafood

• Food allergy is present in 37% of children with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis

• Food allergy is present in approximately 5% of children with atopic asthma

Reference: Proceedings of a symposium on pediatric food allergy. April 20, 2002.
                 Pediatrics, 2003 Jun;111