Oral Food Challenges & Relationship to Allergen-Specific IgE Levels

Diagnosis of food hypersensitivity is a clinical challenge and the only current definitive test is the Double Blind Placebo-Controlled Food Challenges. Although the Double Blind Placebo-Controlled Food Challenges is the current gold standard, it is difficult to perform and is very time-consuming. Hence, researchers are continually evaluating new tests and assessing the value of the available serum tests. (more…)

How to Identify Food Allergies & Intolerance

food intolerance
Food allergies are becoming popular topics in the news at the moment. Based on a recent report by the CDC, the number of people with food allergies has grown 20 percent in the last ten years. Only three percent of Americans could correctly distinguish four of the common list of food allergens (peanuts, dairy products, eggs and wheat). But still the main problem is on how to identify food allergies easily? (more…)

Health Food Stores Battle Food Allergies

At health food stores, customers are complaining about food allergies more often now with statements like, “I can’t eat this”, or “I can’t eat that.” Why do so many people, especially those who frequent health food stores, believe they have food allergies? It’s funny, I’ve never heard anyone say, “I’m allergic to coffee, cookies, cakes, popcorn, pizza or candy”, and yet these are things that people ingest regularly without a second thought. So, what’s up with all these health food store shoppers who have food allergies? (more…)

Food Allergy Testing by Performing Allergy Skin Test and In Vitro Test

allergy skin testing
The diagnostic approach to allergic food reactions comprises three steps. The first step includes the medical allergy history, physical examination, and family allergy background. On the basis of symptoms and timing of the reaction, the physician attempts to identify the suspected food and to determine whether the reaction is likely to involve an immunologic mechanism. This first step is absolutely necessary to decide on the subsequent diagnostic tests to be performed. The second step includes allergy skin tests and in vitro assays, which can confirm a sensitization to the food. (more…)

Food Allergy Reactions: Triggers and Sources

food allergy reactions

In theory, any kind of food is having the capability to trigger food allergic reaction in our body. All foods contain molecules capable of triggering a response of the immune system. However, for many reasons—including both the structure of the food molecules and our body’s immunological responses—the foods that cause the majority of allergic reactions tend to be few in number. (more…)

Food Allergies in Children ― What Every Parent Should Know

food intolerance children
Childhood is the period of life when allergies to food are most prevalent. Food allergy is much more common in babies and young children than in adults. Most food allergies are outgrown by the age of five years. Food allergy in adults is relatively uncommon. Estimates of food allergy in adults indicate an incidence of less than 2 %. (more…)