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Treffeisen ER, Cromer SJ, Dy-Hollins ME, Lin SY, Naik H, Graham DA, Fiechtner L, Kuhlthau KA, Schneider LC, Walsh KE. The association between child food allergy and family food insecurity in a nationally representative US sample. Acad Pediatr 2024:S1876-2859(24)00328-0. [PMID: 39181503 DOI: 10.1016/j.acap.2024.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess whether child food allergy is associated with family food insecurity, overall, and across different income levels. METHODS We used the 2011-2018 National Health Interview Survey, a nationally representative cross-sectional survey. The exposure was child food allergy, and our main outcome was odds of family food insecurity, which was calculated using multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for child demographics, family characteristics and survey year. We examined for effect modification by the ratio of family income to the poverty threshold using stratification and tests for statistical interaction. RESULTS Among 83,287 children 6% had food allergy and 22% experienced family food insecurity. Child food allergy was associated with a 1.39-fold (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.26, 1.53) increased odds of family food insecurity overall. Child food allergy was associated with a 1.46-fold (95% CI: 1.29, 1.66) increased odds of family food insecurity among children whose families lived below 200% of the federal poverty level, and a 1.26-fold (95% CI: 1.05, 1.51) increased odds of family food insecurity among children whose families lived at 200 to 399% of the federal poverty level, with no association among children whose families lived at or above 400% of the federal poverty level (P =.04 for interaction). CONCLUSION There is an association between child food allergy and family food insecurity, and this association is modified by the ratio of family income to the poverty threshold. Improved availability and subsidy of allergen-free foods in nutrition assistance programs and food pantries are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsa R Treffeisen
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115, United States; Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA 02115, United States.
| | - Sara J Cromer
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA 02115, United States; Division of Endocrinology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 50 Staniford St, Boston, MA 02114, United States.
| | - Marisela E Dy-Hollins
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA 02115, United States; Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 165 Cambridge St 8th floor, Boston, MA 02114, United States.
| | - Sheng Yi Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, No. 5, Fuxing St., Guishan Dist., Taoyuan City 333, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, No. 259, Wenhua 1st Rd., Guishan Dist., Taoyuan City 333 Taiwan.
| | - Hiten Naik
- University of British Columbia Clinician Investigator Program, Suite 200 City Square East Tower South, 555 W. 12th Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V5Z 3X7.
| | - Dionne A Graham
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA 02115, United States; Program for Patient Safety and Quality, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States.
| | - Lauren Fiechtner
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA 02115, United States; The Greater Boston Food Bank, 70 South Bay Avenue, Boston, MA 02118, United States; Division of General Academic Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, MassGeneral for Children, 125 Nashua Street, Boston, MA 02114, United States; Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, MassGeneral for Children, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, United States.
| | - Karen A Kuhlthau
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA 02115, United States; Division of General Academic Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, MassGeneral for Children, 125 Nashua Street, Boston, MA 02114, United States.
| | - Lynda C Schneider
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115, United States; Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA 02115, United States.
| | - Kathleen E Walsh
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA 02115, United States; Division of General Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115, United States
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Sansweet S, Roach A, Pappalardo AA, Yost JC, Asante J, Warren C. Food Insecurity and Psychosocial Burden in a National Community-Based Sample of Households Managing Food Allergy. Health Promot Pract 2024; 25:634-643. [PMID: 38288585 DOI: 10.1177/15248399231223740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Experiencing food allergies and food insecurity has been linked to socioeconomic, physical, and mental health-related challenges, but less is known about the intersection of these experiences. This study aims to better understand the impact of food insecurity on food allergy patients and their caregivers, with the intention of informing ongoing efforts to improve screening for food insecurity and mental health concerns and reducing their burden among households managing food allergy. METHOD As part of a community needs assessment, a cross-sectional survey was administered to a large, national sample (N=5,940) of US households with at least one food-allergic individual, The Hunger Vital Sign was utilized to assess food insecurity, the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-4) and Food Allergy Independent Measure (FAIM) were leveraged to measure psychosocial outcomes. RESULTS Among respondents, 69.9% screened at-risk of food insecurity on the Hunger Vital Sign, while 5.6% reported very low food security. Both adults and children with food allergy (FA) from households at risk for food insecurity were more likely to report FA-related anxiety, anger, loneliness, fear of eating, and bullying victimization than their counterparts from households not at risk of food insecurity (p < .0001 for all). Among these specific experiences, FA-related anxiety was the most common (25.4%/30.1% of children/adults). Perceived risk of food allergy-related fatality was positively associated with food insecurity status. CONCLUSION Individuals with food allergies who are concomitantly experiencing food insecurity are at greater risk of a variety of mental health concerns, including those specific to food allergy as well as more general anxiety and depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Sansweet
- Center for Food Allergy & Asthma Research, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Anita Roach
- Food Allergy Research & Education, McLean, VA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Christopher Warren
- Center for Food Allergy & Asthma Research, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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Jefferson AA, Davidson L, Scurlock AM, Stern J. Food Insecurity and Health Inequities in Food Allergy. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 2024; 24:155-160. [PMID: 38421593 DOI: 10.1007/s11882-024-01134-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The intersection of food insecurity among those with food allergy is a growing public health concern. Both food allergy and food insecurity have profound implications on health, social, and economic outcomes. The interaction of social determinants of health, poverty, racism, housing insecurity, and access to care has direct impact on individuals with food allergy. RECENT FINDINGS There is increasing evidence that universal screening for food insecurity is vital in the routine care of patients with food allergy. Individuals with food allergy who are also burdened by food insecurity face unique challenges related to the need to maintain dietary modifications often with expensive specialized diets, which are difficult to access. This may lead to limited dietary options, malnutrition, increased financial burden, and social isolation. While there are available resources and support systems that can assist individuals with food allergies in managing food insecurity, there is an increasing need for advocacy and inclusivity in policy frameworks involving multiple stakeholders. Multi-sector efforts involving healthcare providers and advocacy and government agencies are necessary to support policy changes that protect the rights and well-being of individuals affected by food allergy and food insecurity. By increasing awareness, improving access to safe, affordable, allergen-free food, and advocating for policy change, we can work toward ensuring universal access to safe, nutritious food for all individuals, regardless of their food allergy status or socioeconomic background.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akilah A Jefferson
- Department of Pediatrics, Allergy & Immunology Division, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 13 Children's Way, Slot 512-13, Little Rock, AR, 72202, USA
- Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Lauren Davidson
- Department of Medicine, The University of Rochester, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Amy M Scurlock
- Department of Pediatrics, Allergy & Immunology Division, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 13 Children's Way, Slot 512-13, Little Rock, AR, 72202, USA.
- Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, USA.
| | - Jessica Stern
- Department of Medicine, The University of Rochester, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
- Department of Pediatrics and Medicine, Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Pediatric Allergy and ImmunologyThe University of RochesterSchool of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
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Sansweet S, Jindal R, Gupta R. Food allergy issues among consumers: a comprehensive review. Front Nutr 2024; 11:1380056. [PMID: 38595790 PMCID: PMC11002200 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1380056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Food Allergy (FA) is a growing global public health concern. In the United States alone, 8% of children and 11% of adults have a convincing FA (symptoms consistent with an IgE-mediated reaction to a specific allergen). Given the significant prevalence of this condition, the objective of this mini-review is to illustrate the many dimensions of life that are impacted among those with FA. Summarizing findings from a breadth of current literature, we present how FA affects social, psychological, and economic-related quality of life. With this informative review, we endeavor to bring increased awareness to these issues and help cultivate a better future for individuals with FA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Sansweet
- Center for Food Allergy and Asthma Research, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Ria Jindal
- Center for Food Allergy and Asthma Research, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Ruchi Gupta
- Center for Food Allergy and Asthma Research, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
- Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
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Dehbozorgi S, Ramsey N, Lee ASE, Coleman A, Varshney P, Davis CM. Addressing Health Equity in Food Allergy. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. IN PRACTICE 2024; 12:570-577. [PMID: 38280451 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2024.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Social determinants of health can lead to poor health outcomes for food-allergic patients, including limited access to allergen-free foods and specialty care. Housing and transportation limitations can worsen social factors including food insecurity, poor early food introduction, increased reactivity to foods, lower tertiary/allergy care utilization, and increased emergency department utilization. A key component of addressing health equity involves valuing all people with sustained, focused efforts to address social determinants of health. In this clinical commentary, we discuss the current state of heath equity for food-allergic patients, highlighting the disparities in emergency care, food allergy prevention, and food insecurity. Solutions to improve health equity through clinical practice are proposed. Currently available funding opportunities through the National Institutes of Health for health equity initiatives are outlined. Gaps in health equity for food-allergic patients include the lack of documented successful implementation of effective solutions to food insecurity, poor early food introduction uptake, poor access to specialist care, and unequal distribution of educational resources. The availability of research funding and legislative policies supporting access to food and education bolster the impetus to move toward health equity for 20 million people in the United States with food allergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Dehbozorgi
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Nicole Ramsey
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Ashley Sang Eun Lee
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Amaziah Coleman
- National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Rockville, Md
| | - Pooja Varshney
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Dell Medical School at the University of Texas Austin, Dell Children's Medical Center, Austin, Texas
| | - Carla M Davis
- Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Retrovirology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas.
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Venter C, Meyer R, Bauer M, Bird JA, Fleischer DM, Nowak-Wegrzyn A, Anagnostou A, Vickery BP, Wang J, Groetch M. Identifying Children at Risk of Growth and Nutrient Deficiencies in the Food Allergy Clinic. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. IN PRACTICE 2024; 12:579-589. [PMID: 38280452 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2024.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Food allergies affect growth in children by decreasing the availability of nutrients through decreased dietary intake, increased dietary needs, food-medication interactions, and psychosocial burden. Guidelines on food allergy management frequently recommend nutrition counseling and growth monitoring of children with food allergies. OBJECTIVE To provide clear guidance for clinicians to identify children with food allergies who are at nutritional risk and ensure prompt intervention. METHODS We provide a narrative review summarizing information from national and international guidelines, retrospective studies, population studies, review articles, case reports, and case series to identify those with food allergy at greatest nutritional risk, determine the impact of nutritional interventions on growth, and develop guidance for risk reduction in children with food allergies. RESULTS Children with food allergies are at increased risk of nutritional deficiencies and poor growth. Nutritional assessment and intervention can improve outcomes. Identifying poor growth is an important step in the nutrition assessment. Therefore, growth should be assessed at each allergy evaluation. Interventions to ensure adequate dietary intake for growth include appropriately prescribed elimination diets, breast-feeding support and assessment, supplemental formula, vitamin and/or mineral supplementation, appropriate milk substitutes, and timely introduction of nutrient-dense complementary foods. Access to foods of appropriate nutritional value is an ongoing concern. CONCLUSION Nutrition intervention or referral to registered dietitian nutritionists with additional training and/or experience in food allergy may result in improved growth and nutrition outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Venter
- Section of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colo.
| | - Rosan Meyer
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Winchester, Winchester, United Kingdom; Department of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Maureen Bauer
- Section of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colo
| | - J Andrew Bird
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy and Immunology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - David M Fleischer
- Section of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colo
| | - Anna Nowak-Wegrzyn
- Hassenfeld Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY; Department of Pediatrics, Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Aikaterini Anagnostou
- Section of Allergy and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; Section of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | - Brian P Vickery
- Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Ga; Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, Ga
| | - Julie Wang
- Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Marion Groetch
- Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
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Bingemann TA, LeBovidge J, Bartnikas L, Protudjer JLP, Herbert LJ. Psychosocial Impact of Food Allergy on Children and Adults and Practical Interventions. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 2024; 24:107-119. [PMID: 38261244 PMCID: PMC11340266 DOI: 10.1007/s11882-023-01121-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW IgE- and non-IgE-mediated food allergies are increasing in prevalence in children and adults worldwide. A food allergy diagnosis can be associated with a sense of overwhelm and stress and commonly has a negative impact on quality of life. RECENT FINDINGS While there is an increased recognition of the psychosocial effects of food allergy, the current research reflects the experience of mostly White, well-educated wealthier populations. Some studies have now explored the psychosocial impact among other populations; however, further study is needed. It is important that physicians and allied health professionals screen for the potentially negative psychosocial effects of food allergy and provide education to promote safety and self-efficacy at each visit; however, time may be a limiting factor. Numerous validated questionnaires are now available to help assess the psychosocial impact of food allergies. Allergy-friendly foods are typically more expensive, and thus, it is imperative that physicians screen for food insecurity as well. Educational resources should be offered regarding living well with food allergies at each visit. For patients and families experiencing anxiety or food allergy burden that is difficult to manage, referral to a mental health provider should be considered. Resources regarding programs to help accessing safe foods should also be available. Further research is needed among diverse populations focusing on interventions to best support patients and families with food allergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa A Bingemann
- Departments of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology and Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine, 601 Elmwood Ave, Box 695, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA.
| | - Jennifer LeBovidge
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lisa Bartnikas
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer L P Protudjer
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- George Fay Yee Centre for Healthcare Innovation, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Linda J Herbert
- Division of Psychology &, Behavioral Health, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
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Jones SM, Anvari S, Coleman A, Pesek RD, Kloepfer KM, Perry TT, Jefferson AA, Doan D, Andres A, Doderer M, Hilbun A, Solomon R, Scurlock AM. Food insecurity and allergic diseases: A call to collective action. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2024; 153:359-367. [PMID: 37926122 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2023.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Food security encompassess the concept of access by all people at all times to enough food for an active, healthy life. Conversely, food insecurity (FI) refers to household-level economic and social conditions of limited or uncertain access to adequate food. FI is a key social determinant of health that can negatively affect nutrition and health outcomes, as it is estimated that 10.2% of the US population meets criteria for FI. Recognizing the impact of FI on our patients and families is critical to promote health equity and optimize health outcomes. This review focuses on FI and allergic disease from the perspective of key multisector stakeholders within the field of allergy and immunology as well as from the larger health care arena, highlighting key resources and initiatives important to patients. Collectively, as specialists in allergy and immunology, and within the medical field more broadly, we must leverage our unique roles as we interface with patients and families and serve as committed advocates for change. Developing innovative strategies to promote health equity can provide a pathway forward for all children, adults, and families to gain access to healthy, nutritious food as part of their routine lifestyle. This is a call to action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacie M Jones
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Ark; Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock, Ark.
| | - Sara Anvari
- Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Tex
| | - Amaziah Coleman
- National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, Md
| | - Robert D Pesek
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Ark; Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock, Ark
| | - Kirsten M Kloepfer
- Indiana University School of Medicine and Riley Children's Hospital at IU Health, Indianapolis, Ind
| | - Tamara T Perry
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Ark; Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock, Ark
| | - Akilah A Jefferson
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Ark; Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock, Ark
| | - Dieu Doan
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Ark; Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock, Ark
| | - Aline Andres
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Ark; Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center, Little Rock, Ark
| | - Marcy Doderer
- Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock, Ark; Arkansas Children's Health System, Little Rock, Ark
| | - Ashlie Hilbun
- Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock, Ark; Arkansas Children's Health System, Little Rock, Ark
| | - Ryan Solomon
- Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock, Ark; Arkansas Children's Health System, Little Rock, Ark
| | - Amy M Scurlock
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Ark; Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock, Ark
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Sansweet S, Rolling C, Ebisawa M, Wang J, Gupta R, Davis CM. Reaching Communities Through Food Allergy Advocacy, Research, and Education: A Comprehensive Analysis. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. IN PRACTICE 2024; 12:310-315. [PMID: 38151118 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2023.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
This article explores the multifaceted approach of food allergy (FA) advocacy, research, and education to address the diverse challenges associated with FA, such as disparities in socioeconomic status, food security, quality of life, and the overall burden of the disease. Advocacy initiatives are instrumental in driving policy changes, raising public awareness, and directing substantial research funding, with a focus on reducing disparities. They have influenced allergen labeling regulations and improved access to epinephrine, emphasizing the importance of school-based management plans, especially in underserved communities. Research in FA informs medical practices and offers them hope for improved treatments. Recent breakthroughs in peanut allergy prevention and oral immunotherapy trials exemplify the potential for advancements while highlighting the need to address disparities in health care access. Education is a critical tool for prevention, raising awareness, and reducing the risk of allergic reactions. Efforts should be tailored to reach marginalized communities, particularly in schools where education on FA management is essential. Collaborating directly with communities is imperative to ensure inclusivity and address disparities. Barriers such as mistrust, language and cultural differences, and lack of diversity among researchers must be overcome to encourage diverse participation in research studies. This article concludes by emphasizing the significance of a comprehensive approach to FA research that prioritizes equity and inclusivity. The call to action highlights the need for global initiatives to reshape the landscape of FA care and address disparities in health care access and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Sansweet
- Center for Food Allergy and Asthma Research, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Ill
| | - Corwin Rolling
- Center for Food Allergy and Asthma Research, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Ill
| | - Motohiro Ebisawa
- Clinical Research Center for Allergy and Rheumatology, National Hospital Organization Sagamihara National Hospital, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Julie Wang
- Jaffe Food Allergy Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Ruchi Gupta
- Center for Food Allergy and Asthma Research, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Ill; Department of Pediatrics and Medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital, Chicago, Ill
| | - Carla M Davis
- Division of Immunology, Allergy, and Retrovirology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; Texas Children's Hospital Food Allergy Program, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas.
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Chong AC, Izadi N, Chwa WJ, Tam JS. Fruitful or unfruitful: strawberry and tomato specific immunoglobulin E testing at a tertiary pediatric center. FRONTIERS IN ALLERGY 2023; 4:1277631. [PMID: 37908373 PMCID: PMC10613731 DOI: 10.3389/falgy.2023.1277631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Suspected strawberry and tomato (S/T) food allergy (FA) can be evaluated using specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) testing despite its low specificity and positive predictive value. Objective This study aims to understand ordering patterns for S/T sIgE testing and identify relevant factors to clinical decision-making. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 814 patients with sIgE testing available for strawberries (651), tomatoes (276), or both (113) from January 2012 to May 2022 at a tertiary pediatric hospital. Patient demographics, provider specialty, and reasons for testing were collected. Student's t-test and multiple regression analyses were performed to test the association between the S/T sIgE level and clinically relevant outcome (CRO) status. Fisher's exact test and general linear models were used to evaluate and compare potential predictive factors for CRO status. Results Allergy and immunology, gastroenterology, and general pediatrics ordered most S/T sIgE testing. Testing was ordered most frequently for non-IgE-mediated gastrointestinal symptoms, mild possible IgE-mediated reactions, and eczema. Testing was most often ordered for infants and school-age children. Mean sIgE levels were higher for S/T tests resulting in a CRO when controlling for other predictor variables (p = 0.015; p = 0.002 for S/T, respectively). Only 2.2% and 5.4% of tests resulted in a CRO for S/T, and severe allergy was rare. Testing for non-IgE-mediated GI symptoms or eczema, or in non-atopic patients, yielded no CROs. Exposure and reaction history of present illness (ERH) was associated with CROs (p < 0.001; p = 0.04) with a high negative predictive value (99.5%; 100%) and low positive predictive value (11.5%; 15.0%). ERH (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.073; p = 0.009, η2 = 0.123) was a more significant predictor than the sIgE level (p = 0.002, η2 = 0.037; p = 0.212, η2 = 0.030) for CRO status. Conclusion The diagnosis of S/T food allergy is made primarily based on clinical history. S/T sIgE testing for children and adolescents should be avoided for patients without an ERH and in the workup of non-IgE-mediated GI symptoms. Testing for eczema and non-atopic patients is likely low-yield.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert C. Chong
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Neema Izadi
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Won Jong Chwa
- Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO, United States
| | - Jonathan S. Tam
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Cook EE. Anthropological and sociological perspectives on food allergy. Clin Exp Allergy 2023; 53:989-1003. [PMID: 37649424 DOI: 10.1111/cea.14387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
This review explores the anthropological and sociological literature on food allergy and identifies four primary areas of research to date. The first explores the relationality and management of risk, uncertainty and stigma among parents and sufferers of food allergies. The second analyses the influence of intersectionality, specifically the effects of class, gender, race/ethnicity and disability on experiences of food allergy. The third discusses diagnostic difficulties and the impact these have on legitimacy and believability, both in the context of clinician-patient relations and in managing food allergies in public spaces. The fourth explores the ethics and uncertainties in food allergy treatments and how scientific knowledge of emerging treatments is constructed. This body of research illustrates that although an individual disease, food allergy experiences are significantly affected by socio-cultural structures, institutions, ideologies and discourses. The review concludes with four primary recommendations. First, there should be more incorporation of anthropological or sociological methodologies and perspectives into studies of food allergy. Second, studies are needed from more countries exploring lived experience of food allergy. Third, research on food allergy needs to incorporate an analysis of intersectional factors such as gender, class and race/ethnicity, and should explore the experiences of minority populations. Fourth, more research is needed on the interactions between biomedicine and local systems of knowledge, as well as the factors that shape what treatments become available, for whom it becomes available, experiences of treatment and aspects (including biases) that influence patient-clinician interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma E Cook
- Modern Japanese Studies, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
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12
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Tseng H, Vastardi MA. Food insecurity and food allergy in children: A cross-sectional study. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. IN PRACTICE 2023; 11:2942-2944.e1. [PMID: 37328059 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2023.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Tseng
- Department of Pediatrics, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY; NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County, Brooklyn, NY.
| | - Maria-Anna Vastardi
- Department of Pediatrics, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY; NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County, Brooklyn, NY; Division of Allergy and Immunology, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY
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13
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Bhamra M, Harbottle Z, Golding MA, Ben-Shoshan M, Roos LE, Abrams EM, Penner SJ, St-Vincent JA, Protudjer JL. Parental perceptions of a novel subsidy program to address the financial burden of milk allergy: a qualitative study. ALLERGY, ASTHMA, AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE CANADIAN SOCIETY OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 19:65. [PMID: 37516877 PMCID: PMC10385888 DOI: 10.1186/s13223-023-00828-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately 6-7% of Canadian children have food allergy. These families face substantial burdens due to the additional costs incurred purchasing allergy-friendly products necessary for management compared to families without food allergies. In the year prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, these costs were equivalent to an average of $200 monthly compared to families without food allergy. As food prices continue to rise, rates of food insecurity also increase, disproportionately affecting households with food allergy who have limited choices at food banks. METHODS Families living or working in Winnipeg, Canada with an annual net income of about $70,000 or less the year prior to recruitment and a child under the age of 6 years old with a physician diagnosed milk allergy were recruited between January and February 2022. Participating families received bi-weekly home deliveries for six months, from March to August 2022, of subsidy kits containing ~$50 worth of milk allergy-friendly products. Semi-structured interviews, completed ± 2 weeks from the final delivery, were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically. RESULTS Eight interviews, averaging 32 min (range 22-54 min), were completed with mothers from all different families. On average, mothers were 29.88 ± 4.39 years old and children were 2.06 ± 1.32 years old. All children reported allergies in addition to milk. Based on the data from these interviews, we identified 3 themes: food allergy causes substantial burden for families, "I have to get his allergy-friendly food first before getting to my basic needs", and perceived emotional and financial benefits of a milk allergy-friendly food subsidy program. CONCLUSIONS This study, along with previous research, suggests that there is a need for assistance for families managing milk allergies. It also provides important information to inform development of programs which can address these financial challenges. Our in-kind food subsidy was perceived as having a positive impact on food costs and stress associated with food allergy management, however, parents identified a need for more variety in the food packages. Future programs should strive to incorporate a greater variety of products to address this limitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manvir Bhamra
- Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Zoe Harbottle
- Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Michael A Golding
- The Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Moshe Ben-Shoshan
- Department of Allergy and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Leslie E Roos
- The Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Elissa M Abrams
- The Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Sara J Penner
- Department of Business and Administration, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | | | - Jennifer Lp Protudjer
- Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
- The Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
- George and Fay Yee Centre for Healthcare Innovation, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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14
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Chong AC, Diwakar L, Kaplan CM, Fox AT, Abrams EM, Greenhawt M, Oppenheimer JJ, Shaker MS. Provision of Food Allergy Care in the United Kingdom and United States: Current Issues and Future Directions. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. IN PRACTICE 2023; 11:2054-2066. [PMID: 36990429 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2023.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Food allergy (FA) is a growing issue worldwide. The United Kingdom and United States are high-income, industrialized countries with reported increases in FA prevalence over the past few decades. This review compares delivery of FA care in the United Kingdom and United States and each country's response to the heightened demand and disparities for FA services. In the United Kingdom, allergy specialists are scarce and general practitioners (GPs) provide most allergy care. Whereas the United States has more allergists per capita than the United Kingdom, there is still a shortage of allergy services owing to the greater reliance on specialist care for FA in America and wide geographic variation in access to allergist services. Currently, generalists in these countries lack the specialty training and equipment to diagnose and manage FA optimally. Moving forward, the United Kingdom aims to enhance training for GPs so they may provide better quality frontline allergy care. In addition, the United Kingdom is implementing a new tier of semi-specialized GPs and increasing cross-center collaboration through clinical networks. The United Kingdom and United States aim to increase the number of FA specialists, which is critical at a time of rapidly expanding management options for allergic and immunologic diseases requiring clinical expertise and shared decision-making to select appropriate therapies. While these countries aim to grow their supply of quality FA services actively, further efforts to build clinical networks and perhaps recruit international medical graduates and expand telehealth services are necessary to reduce disparities in access to care. For the United Kingdom in particular, increasing quality services will require additional support from the leadership of the centralized National Health Service, which remains challenging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert C Chong
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, Calif
| | - Lavanya Diwakar
- Department of Immunology, University Hospital of North Midlands, Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom; Department of Health Economics, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Cameron M Kaplan
- Gehr Center for Health Systems Science and Innovation, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, Calif
| | - Adam T Fox
- Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Elissa M Abrams
- Section of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Division of Allergy and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Matthew Greenhawt
- Section of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colo
| | - John J Oppenheimer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pulmonary and Allergy, UMDJ Rutgers University School of Medicine, Newark, NJ
| | - Marcus S Shaker
- Section of Allergy and Immunology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH; Department of Pediatrics, Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, NH; Department of Medicine, Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, NH.
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15
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Golding MA, Roos LE, Abrams EM, Gerdts JD, Protudjer JLP. Temporal examination of adult food insecurity amongst Canadian families managing food allergy. ALLERGY, ASTHMA, AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE CANADIAN SOCIETY OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 19:45. [PMID: 37245046 DOI: 10.1186/s13223-023-00802-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pediatric food allergy is associated with excess familial food costs compared to families without allergy. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, food prices have increased substantially. OBJECTIVE To understand the temporal pattern of food insecurity amongst Canadian families with food allergy from the year prior to the pandemic, through May 2022. METHODS Using data collected electronically from families reporting food allergy using a validated food security questionnaire, we estimated food insecurity, including categories of food insecurity (marginal, moderate, secure) in the year prior to the pandemic (2019; Wave 1), and the first (2020; Wave 2) and second years of the pandemic (2022; Wave 3). RESULTS Participants in all waves were commonly in 2 + adult, 2 child households. Less than half of participants (Waves 1-3: 45.7%, 31.0%, and 22.9%, respectively) reported household incomes below the median Canadian. Common allergies were milk, eggs, peanuts and tree nuts. In Wave 1, 22.9% of families reported food insecurity; corresponding numbers at Waves 2 and 3 were 30.6% and 74.4%, respectively, representing an overall increase of 225.6%, including notable increases in severe food insecurity. CONCLUSION Canadian families with pediatric food allergy report higher rates of food insecurity compared to the general Canadian population, especially during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Golding
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- The Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, 501G-715 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 3P4, Canada
| | - Leslie E Roos
- The Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, 501G-715 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 3P4, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Elissa M Abrams
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- The Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, 501G-715 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 3P4, Canada
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Jennifer L P Protudjer
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
- The Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, 501G-715 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 3P4, Canada.
- Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
- George and Fay Yee Centre for Healthcare Innovation, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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16
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López-Pedrouso M, Lorenzo JM, Alché JDD, Moreira R, Franco D. Advanced Proteomic and Bioinformatic Tools for Predictive Analysis of Allergens in Novel Foods. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12050714. [PMID: 37237526 DOI: 10.3390/biology12050714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, novel food is becoming an emerging trend increasingly more demanding in developed countries. Food proteins from vegetables (pulses, legumes, cereals), fungi, bacteria and insects are being researched to introduce them in meat alternatives, beverages, baked products and others. One of the most complex challenges for introducing novel foods on the market is to ensure food safety. New alimentary scenarios drive the detection of novel allergens that need to be identified and quantified with the aim of appropriate labelling. Allergenic reactions are mostly caused by proteins of great abundance in foods, most frequently of small molecular mass, glycosylated, water-soluble and with high stability to proteolysis. The most relevant plant and animal food allergens, such as lipid transfer proteins, profilins, seed storage proteins, lactoglobulins, caseins, tropomyosins and parvalbumins from fruits, vegetables, nuts, milk, eggs, shellfish and fish, have been investigated. New methods for massive screening in search of potential allergens must be developed, particularly concerning protein databases and other online tools. Moreover, several bioinformatic tools based on sequence alignment, motif identification or 3-D structure predictions should be implemented as well. Finally, targeted proteomics will become a powerful technology for the quantification of these hazardous proteins. The ultimate objective is to build an effective and resilient surveillance network with this cutting-edge technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- María López-Pedrouso
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, 15872 A Coruña, Spain
| | - José M Lorenzo
- Centro Tecnolóxico da Carne de Galicia, Rúa Galicia Nº 4, Parque Tecnológico de Galicia, San Cibrao das Viñas, 32900 Ourense, Spain
| | - Juan de Dios Alché
- Plant Reproductive Biology and Advanced Microscopy Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology of Plants, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Profesor Albareda 1, 18008 Granada, Spain
| | - Ramón Moreira
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Daniel Franco
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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17
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Oriel RC, Shah A, Anagnostou A, Greenhawt M, Khan F, Leeds S, Ravindran M, Stoffels G, Vickery BP, Virkud YV, Sicherer SH. Food Allergy Management Practices Utilizing Individual Patient Thresholds: A Work Group Report of the AAAAI Adverse Reactions to Foods Committee. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. IN PRACTICE 2023; 11:1083-1086.e1. [PMID: 36773718 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2023.01.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
The paradigm for food allergy management has been strict avoidance of the food allergen. There is literature supporting a "high-threshold" phenotype, those who tolerate a small-to-modest amount of allergen but react to larger amounts. There is no consensus for best practice for these "high-threshold" individuals. We sought to understand management practices of "high-threshold" reactors using a survey that was distributed to a random sample of fellows and members of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. There were 89 respondents from the United States and Canada (11% response rate), with 64 (72%) answering all questions. Participants worked in private (52%) and academic practice (38%) and saw a median of 30 food allergic patients monthly. Eighty-one percent of respondents reported management strategies other than strict avoidance. When threshold was known, strategies ranged from allowing ingestion up to a specified amount (57%), proactively advising ingestion to a certain amount (56%), or oral immunotherapy (47%). Participants were more likely to choose a permissive approach for a mild reaction in a high-threshold milk-allergic patient compared with a peanut-allergic patient (83% vs 71%, p=.01). Important factors that influenced the approach included severity of reaction (52%), comfort with family/patient using emergency medications (42%), and family/patient preferences (41%). These survey results suggest that food allergy management recommendations are no longer binary in nature, with clinicians solely recommending avoidance for those who are allergic and ingestion for those who may not be.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxanne C Oriel
- Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Jaffe Food Allergy Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Ami Shah
- Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Jaffe Food Allergy Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Aikaterini Anagnostou
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Retrovirology, Baylor College of Medicine & Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | - Matthew Greenhawt
- Section of Allergy and Immunology, Children's Hospital Colorado, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colo
| | - Fatima Khan
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Ill
| | - Stephanie Leeds
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn
| | - Mayuran Ravindran
- Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Ga
| | - Guillaume Stoffels
- Division of Biostatistics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Brian P Vickery
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Ga
| | - Yamini V Virkud
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Scott H Sicherer
- Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Jaffe Food Allergy Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY.
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18
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Udemgba C, Sarkaria SK, Gleeson P, Bryant-Stephens T, Ogbogu PU, Khoury P, Apter AJ. New considerations of health disparities within allergy and immunology. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2023; 151:314-323. [PMID: 36503854 PMCID: PMC9905264 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2022.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The pandemic, political upheavals, and social justice efforts in our society have resulted in attention to persistent health disparities and the urgent need to address them. Using a scoping review, we describe published updates to address disparities and targets for interventions to improve gaps in care within allergy and immunology. These disparities-related studies provide a broad view of our current understanding of how social determinants of health threaten patient outcomes and our ability to advance health equity efforts in our field. We outline next steps to improve access to care and advance health equity for patients with allergic/immunologic diseases through actions taken at the individual, community, and policy levels, which could be applied outside of our field. Key among these are efforts to increase the diversity among our trainees, providers, and scientific teams and enhancing efforts to participate in advocacy work and public health interventions. Addressing health disparities requires advancing our understanding of the interplay between social and structural barriers to care and enacting the needed interventions in various key areas to effect change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chioma Udemgba
- National Institute of Allergic and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md
| | - Sandeep K Sarkaria
- Section of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pulmonary & Critical Care, Case Western Reserve University, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Patrick Gleeson
- Section of Allergy & Immunology, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, & Critical Care Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa
| | - Tyra Bryant-Stephens
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of General Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa
| | - Princess U Ogbogu
- Division of Pediatric Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio; Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Paneez Khoury
- National Institute of Allergic and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md
| | - Andrea J Apter
- Section of Allergy & Immunology, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, & Critical Care Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa.
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19
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Dupuis R, Phipatanakul W, Bartnikas LM. Social disparities in early childhood prevention and management of food allergy. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2023; 151:37-41. [PMID: 36608981 PMCID: PMC9830563 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2022.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Food allergy (FA) affects 8% of US children. Navigating and managing FA permeates across multiple facets of childhood. In this article, we review research on social disparities in feeding practices, managing meals, and selecting childcare and schools. Key highlights include the following: (1) although preference for breast-feeding or formula feeding does not reduce FA risk, there are disparities in access to formula that may affect children with FA; (2) disparities likely exist in the early introduction to allergenic foods, though additional research is needed to identify barriers to following the most recent consensus guidelines on early introduction; (3) families with limited income face challenges in providing safe meals for their children; (4) disparities exist in early childcare options for preschool-age children, though there is a lack of research on FA practices in these settings; and (5) there is evidence that schools with different student demographics implement different types of FA policies. Further research is needed to better understand and characterize social disparities in FA prevention and management in early childhood and to develop evidence-based strategies to reduce them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxanne Dupuis
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Mass
| | - Wanda Phipatanakul
- Department of Medicine, Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Mass; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Lisa M Bartnikas
- Department of Medicine, Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Mass; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass.
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20
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Zhang J, Liu X, Wang Z, Zhang H, Gao J, Wu Y, Meng X, Zhong Y, Chen H. Potential Allergenicity Response to Moringa oleifera Leaf Proteins in BALB/c Mice. Nutrients 2022; 14:4700. [PMID: 36364962 PMCID: PMC9654714 DOI: 10.3390/nu14214700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The reported association of Moringa oleifera seeds and allergic disease clinically resembling occupational asthma in cosmetic manufacturing workers has resultedin the need to identify such components in the manufacturing process. However, Moringa oleifera leaves from the same plant, an important food ingredient, have limited immunotoxicity data. This study aimed to determine if Moringa oleifera leafproteins (MLP) can elicit allergic responses in BALB/c mice. The BALB/c mice were sensitized twice and challenged 10 times to evaluate the potential allergenicityof MLP in vivo. The results showed increased levels of mast cells, total and specific IgE and IgG, severe signs of systemic anaphylaxis, and reduced body temperature compared with controls. The sensitized mice serum observed enhanced levels of histamine and Th-related cytokine release. Compared with the control group, increased levels of interleukins IL-4, IL-9, and IL-17A and enhanced expression and secretion of normal T cells were found in the culture supernatant of splenocytes treated with MLP.This study suggeststhat MLPcanelicit allergic responses; this providesmore comprehensive guidance for identifying new allergen candidates and developing hypoallergenic MLP products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
- Animal Science and Technology Center, Jiangxi University of Traditional Medicine, Nanchang 330004, China
| | - Xuan Liu
- Animal Science and Technology Center, Jiangxi University of Traditional Medicine, Nanchang 330004, China
| | - Zhongliang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
- Sino-German Joint Research Institute, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- Animal Science and Technology Center, Jiangxi University of Traditional Medicine, Nanchang 330004, China
| | - Jinyan Gao
- School of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Food Allergy, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China
| | - Yong Wu
- School of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
- Sino-German Joint Research Institute, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Food Allergy, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China
| | - Xuanyi Meng
- School of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
- Sino-German Joint Research Institute, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Food Allergy, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China
| | - Youbao Zhong
- Animal Science and Technology Center, Jiangxi University of Traditional Medicine, Nanchang 330004, China
| | - Hongbing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China
- Sino-German Joint Research Institute, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Food Allergy, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China
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21
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Scurlock AM, Brown E, Davis CM. Food insecurity in children and adults with food allergies. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2022; 129:424-429. [PMID: 35987455 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2022.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Food allergy is a substantial public health concern associated with risk of severe or potentially life-threatening reactions and requiring life-altering changes in dietary habits. This increasingly prevalent health concern is associated with adverse medical, nutritional, psychosocial, and economic effects on the estimated 32 million affected individuals in the United States. Management of food allergy requires life-altering dietary modifications and constant vigilance to avoid implicated allergens to minimize the risk of anaphylaxis, which can lead to considerable anxiety and reduced quality of life. Specialized diets are expensive and often difficult to access, particularly for low-income and minority individuals with food allergy. The overlap of food insecurity with diet-treated illnesses further increases the burden on patients with food allergies and their families, with overall rates of food insecurity increasing substantially during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Universal screening to identify food insecure households and connect them with appropriate resources is a critical step in addressing unmet needs at the individual and family level. At the systems level, integrated advocacy approaches addressing the complex interplay between multiple societal issues such as poverty, systemic racism, wage inequality, housing insecurity, lack of transportation, and other social determinants of health are vital to ensure access to safe, healthy, nutritionally complete options for patients with food allergies and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy M Scurlock
- Department of Pediatrics, Arkansas Children's Hospital and Research Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas.
| | | | - Carla M Davis
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
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22
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Warren C, Bartell T, Nimmagadda SR, Bilaver LA, Koplin J, Gupta R. Socioeconomic Determinants of Food Allergy Burden-A clinical introduction. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2022; 129:407-416. [PMID: 35914663 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2022.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This review characterizes what is currently known about how prevalence, severity, distribution, and management of food allergy (FA) differs across socioeconomic strata and provides guidance for practicing clinicians about how to improve equity in research participation, healthcare delivery, and patient outcomes through a deeper understanding of the socioeconomic determinants of FA. DATA SOURCES Epidemiological and biomedical literature published prior to April 2022. RESULTS Socioeconomic status (SES) is a complex concept that not only encompasses economic resources (e.g., income, wealth) but also a person's social, economic and political power and standing, each of which can impact health. However, in many studies of individuals and families with FA, assessment of SES has been limited and often a respondent's membership within a racial and ethnic group is utilized as a proxy for low SES. As a whole, findings from US-population-based studies indicate a consistent trend: those who self-identify as non-Hispanic Black, and to a lesser extent other subpopulations who identify as being of non-White race and ethnicity, experience a greater burden of food-allergic sensitization and disease including higher rates of emergency health care utilization and food-induced anaphylactic fatality as compared to those identifying as White. CONCLUSION Reports of FA management and outcomes highlight inequities among specific low SES populations in the US. Clinicians can and should act to reduce inequities by engaging more diverse populations in clinical research, equitably implementing FA risk screening and prevention, thoughtfully utilizing emerging technologies to ameliorate disparities based on SES in healthcare delivery and outcomes, and advocating for social change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Warren
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Preventive Medicine and Center for Food Allergy and Asthma Research.
| | - Tami Bartell
- Patrick M. Magoon Institute for Healthy Communities, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sai R Nimmagadda
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Center for Food Allergy and Asthma Research; Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA, Division of Allergy and Immunology
| | - Lucy A Bilaver
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics and Center for Food Allergy and Asthma Research
| | - Jennifer Koplin
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia. Department of Paediatrics and School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Ruchi Gupta
- Center for Food Allergy & Asthma Research; Institute for Public Health and Medicine, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine; Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
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23
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Fong AT, Ahlstedt S, Golding MA, Protudjer JLP. The Economic Burden of Food Allergy: What We Know and What We Need to Learn. CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS IN ALLERGY 2022; 9:169-186. [PMID: 35502316 PMCID: PMC9046535 DOI: 10.1007/s40521-022-00306-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Food allergy management and treatment require dietary modification, are associated with significant burdens, and affect food choices and behaviours. Emerging therapies, such as oral immunotherapy (OIT), provide a glimmer of hope for those living with the condition. Some burdens have received substantial focus, whereas many knowledge gaps on the significance of other impacts, including economic burden, remain. Recent Findings Evidence from many countries, but disproportionately from the United States, supports that food allergy carries significant healthcare and societal costs. Early introduction for the prevention of food allergies is theoretically cost-effective, but remains largely undescribed. Unique considerations, such as those to cow’s milk protein allergy, which affects a substantial proportion of infants, and adrenaline autoinjectors, which have a high cost-per-use, require a balance between cost-effectiveness to the healthcare system and adverse outcomes. Household costs have largely been explored in two countries, but owing to different healthcare structures and costs of living, comparisons are difficult, as are generalisations to other countries. Stock epinephrine in schools may present a cost-effective strategy, particularly in economically disadvantaged areas. Costs relating to OIT must be examined within both immediate benefits, such as protection from anaphylaxis, and long-term benefits, such as sustained unresponsiveness. Summary Although the absolute costs differ by region/country and type of food allergy, a consistent pattern persists: food allergy is a costly condition, to those who live with it, and the multiple stakeholders with which they interact. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40521-022-00306-5.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Staffan Ahlstedt
- Centre for Allergy Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Michael A. Golding
- The Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, 501G-715 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4 Canada
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, The University of Manitoba, 501G-715 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4 Canada
| | - Jennifer L. P. Protudjer
- Centre for Allergy Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- The Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, 501G-715 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4 Canada
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, The University of Manitoba, 501G-715 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4 Canada
- George and Fay Yee Centre for Healthcare Innovation, 501G-715 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4 Canada
- Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, The University of Manitoba, 501G-715 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4 Canada
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24
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Tepler E, Wong KH, Soffer GK. Health disparities in pediatric food allergy. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2022; 129:417-423. [PMID: 35476967 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2022.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the current literature regarding the health disparities in the prevalence, diagnosis, and management of pediatric food allergy and discuss possible interventions. DATA SOURCES Literature search of PubMed and Google Scholar databases regarding pediatric food allergy and health disparities. STUDY SELECTIONS Original research articles, reviews, and guidelines on health disparities in pediatric food allergy were included in this review. RESULTS The overall prevalence of food allergy appears to be increasing and disproportionately affecting minority groups. Racial and socioeconomic disparities are evident across all aspects of food allergy care: diagnosis, prevention, acute management (eg, access to epinephrine autoinjectors, visits to emergency department), and long-term management (eg, oral immunotherapy). Children of minority populations and those of low socioeconomic status are at a greater risk of food insecurity, which is further exacerbated by the high cost of allergen-free foods and limited support from food assistance programs. CONCLUSION Racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities in food allergy among children in the United States are evident and negatively affect the outcomes of children with food allergies. Active efforts to decrease racial and socioeconomic disparities, through education, research, and advocacy, will be important to help improve health outcomes in food allergy for all children, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Tepler
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.
| | - Katelyn H Wong
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Gary K Soffer
- Section of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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