Who is at risk for tree nut allergies?

    Last Updated: October 25, 2023

    Certain people are more likely to develop a tree nut allergy, like people who are allergic to other foods or people who have atopic dermatitis (eczema).[1][2][3] Other risk factors include age (food allergies are more common in children), a family history of allergy or atopy, certain genetic mutations, non-Hispanic black or Asian ethnicity, male sex, certain environmental factors (e.g., limited microbial exposure in infancy) and occupational exposures, and delayed introduction of allergenic foods.[4] However, there is conflicting or insufficient evidence on some of the risk factors for food allergies, such as vitamin D deficiency, use of antacids, duration of breastfeeding in infancy, and low intake of omega-3 fatty acids.[5]

    Having a tree nut allergy may also increase the risk of developing other health conditions. In particular, children with IgE-mediated food allergies are more likely than nonallergic children to be diagnosed with allergic rhinitis and asthma.[6][7]

    References

    1. ^Domínguez O, Plaza AM, Alvaro MRelationship Between Atopic Dermatitis and Food Allergy.Curr Pediatr Rev.(2020)
    2. ^Ashley SE, Tan HT, Vuillermin P, Dharmage SC, Tang MLK, Koplin J, Gurrin LC, Lowe A, Lodge C, Ponsonby AL, Molloy J, Martin P, Matheson MC, Saffery R, Allen KJ, Ellis JA, Martino D, ,The skin barrier function gene SPINK5 is associated with challenge-proven IgE-mediated food allergy in infants.Allergy.(2017-Sep)
    3. ^Sherenian MG, Kothari A, Biagini JM, Kroner JW, Baatyrbek Kyzy A, Johannson E, Atluri G, He H, Martin LJ, Khurana Hershey GKSensitization to peanut, egg or pets is associated with skin barrier dysfunction in children with atopic dermatitis.Clin Exp Allergy.(2021-May)
    4. ^Savage J, Johns CBFood allergy: epidemiology and natural historyImmunol Allergy Clin North Am.(2015 Feb)
    5. ^Islam N, Chu DKWhat is causing the rise in food allergy? A narrative review of risk factors for the development of food allergy in infants and children.Front Allergy.(2022)
    6. ^Vermeulen EM, Koplin JJ, Dharmage SC, Gurrin LC, Peters RL, McWilliam V, Ponsonby AL, Dwyer T, Lowe AJ, Tang MLK, Allen KJ,Food Allergy Is an Important Risk Factor for Childhood Asthma, Irrespective of Whether It Resolves.J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract.(2018)
    7. ^Grandinetti R, Fainardi V, Caffarelli C, Capoferri G, Lazzara A, Tornesello M, Meoli A, Bergamini BM, Bertelli L, Biserna L, Bottau P, Corinaldesi E, De Paulis N, Dondi A, Guidi B, Lombardi F, Magistrali MS, Marastoni E, Pastorelli S, Piccorossi A, Poloni M, Tagliati S, Vaienti F, Gregori G, Sacchetti R, Mari S, Musetti M, Antodaro F, Bergomi A, Reggiani L, Caramelli F, De Fanti A, Marchetti F, Ricci G, Esposito S, On Behalf Of The Emilia-Romagna Asthma Era Study GroupRisk Factors Affecting Development and Persistence of Preschool Wheezing: Consensus Document of the Emilia-Romagna Asthma (ERA) Study Group.J Clin Med.(2022-Nov-04)