Food allergies occur when the body’s immune system identifies certain proteins found in food as harmful. This leads to an allergic reaction that triggers symptoms that can range from mild to severe.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), food allergies affect around 4% of adults and 5% of children in the United States. While any food can potentially cause an allergic reaction, there are eight foods that are responsible for 90% of all food allergies. In this article, we will explore these common food allergens in more detail.

1. Milk

Milk allergy is one of the most common food allergies in infants and young children. Symptoms of milk allergy can range from mild to severe and can include hives, wheezing, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Milk allergy is caused by an immune system reaction to one of the proteins found in milk, such as casein or whey. People with milk allergy need to avoid all dairy products, including milk, cheese, and yogurt.

2. Eggs

Egg allergy is the second most common food allergy in children, although many outgrow it by the age of five. Symptoms of egg allergy can include hives, digestive problems, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis.

The egg white is the main source of the allergen, although the yolk can also contain it. People with egg allergy need to avoid all products that contain eggs, such as baked goods, mayonnaise, and certain vaccines that are made with eggs.

3. Peanuts

Peanut allergy is one of the most common food allergies in both children and adults. Symptoms of peanut allergy can range from mild to life-threatening and can include hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, and anaphylaxis.

Peanut allergy is caused by an immune system reaction to one of the proteins found in peanuts. People with peanut allergy need to avoid all products that contain peanuts, as well as foods that may have been cross-contaminated with peanuts, such as certain candies, baked goods, and ethnic foods.

4. Tree Nuts

Tree nut allergies are separate from peanut allergies, although they are often grouped together since they are both nut allergies. The most common tree nut allergies include allergies to almonds, cashews, walnuts, and hazelnuts.

Symptoms of tree nut allergy can range from mild to severe and can include hives, digestive problems, and anaphylaxis. People with tree nut allergy need to avoid all products that contain tree nuts, as well as foods that may have been cross-contaminated with tree nuts.

5. Wheat

Wheat allergy is more common in children than in adults and is most often outgrown by the age of five. Symptoms of wheat allergy can include hives, swelling, and digestive problems.

Wheat allergy is caused by an immune system reaction to one of the proteins found in wheat, such as gluten. People with wheat allergy need to avoid all products that contain wheat, such as bread, pasta, and baked goods.

6. Soy

Soy allergy is most common in infants and young children, although many outgrow it by the age of ten. Symptoms of soy allergy can include hives, swelling, and digestive problems.

Soy allergy is caused by an immune system reaction to one of the proteins found in soy. People with soy allergy need to avoid all products that contain soy, such as tofu, soy sauce, and certain baked goods.

7. Fish

Fish allergy is more common in adults than in children and is often lifelong. Symptoms of fish allergy can range from mild to severe and can include hives, swelling, and anaphylaxis.

Fish allergy is caused by an immune system reaction to one of the proteins found in fish, such as the omega-3 fatty acids. People with fish allergy need to avoid all types of fish, as well as foods that may contain fish, such as Caesar salad dressing or Worcestershire sauce.

8. Shellfish

Shellfish allergy is one of the most common food allergies in adults and is often lifelong. Symptoms of shellfish allergy can range from mild to severe and can include hives, swelling, and anaphylaxis.

Shellfish allergy is caused by an immune system reaction to one of the proteins found in shellfish, such as crab, lobster, or shrimp. People with shellfish allergy need to avoid all types of shellfish, as well as foods that may contain shellfish, such as paella or gumbo.

Conclusion

Food allergies can be a challenging and sometimes life-threatening issue for those who have them. While any food has the potential to cause an allergic reaction, there are eight common food allergens that account for the vast majority of food allergies.

If you suspect that you or a loved one has a food allergy, it is important to see a doctor for testing and diagnosis. Once an allergy has been identified, it is important to avoid the allergen, as even a small amount can trigger an allergic reaction.