Prevalence and Influencing Factors of Food Allergy in Global Context: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence and influencing factors of food allergy (FA) in different regions and populations. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> The studies from January 2011 to December 2021 were searched through PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases. The prevalence of FA was evaluated by calculating the pooled effect estimates and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The odds ratio (OR) value was used to investigate the influencing factors of FA. Heterogeneity analysis among studies was performed using <i>I</i><sup>2</sup> analysis. Sensitivity analysis was performed to assess the stability of the results, and Begg’s test was used to assess publication bias. <b><i>Results:</i></b> A total of 105 published articles, including 3,318,608 participants, were involved in this study. The result indicated that the overall FA prevalence was 4.3% (95% CI: 0.038–0.047). The prevalence of FA was 4.2% in Asia (95% CI: 0.033–0.051), 3.2% in America (95% CI: 0.024–0.041), 4.8% in Europe (95% CI: 0.037–0.060), 1.6% in Africa (95% CI: 0.008–0.026), and 7.5% in Oceania (95% CI: 0.052–0.102). Milk (prevalence: 1.1%, 95% CI: 0.009–0.013) and egg (prevalence: 1.1%, 95% CI: 0.008–0.014) were the most common type of FAs. Male (OR: 1.289, 95% CI: 1.001–1.659), antibiotics exposure during pregnancy (OR: 1.221, 95% CI: 1.162–1.284), breastfeeding (OR: 1.349, 95% CI: 1.011–1.799), asthma (OR: 1.794, 95% CI: 1.443–2.230), eczema (OR: 5.121, 95% CI: 3.575–7.334), family history of atopic disease (OR: 1.893, 95% CI: 1.313–2.730), family history of FAs (OR: 2.096, 95% CI: 1.686–2.594), family history of atopic dermatitis (OR: 1.954, 95% CI: 1.645–2.322), family history of asthma (OR: 1.516, 95% CI: 1.370–1.678), and family history of allergic rhinitis/conjunctivitis (OR: 1.287, 95% CI: 1.191–1.392) increased the risk of FA. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> There were geographical differences in the prevalence of FA. Identification and nursing of FA high-risk populations should be strengthened to improve the quality of life.

Influence of Lifestyle and Dietary Habits on the Prevalence of Food Allergies: A Scoping Review

“…The findings reveal that the prevalence of FA varies geographically, with Oceania having the highest frequency and Africa having the lowest prevalence. Exposure to antibiotics during pregnancy, being male, asthma, breastfeeding, eczema, FAs, family history of atopic disease, AD, allergic rhinitis/conjunctivitis, and asthma were all linked to an increased risk of FA [58]. The prevalence of FA varied by geographic location.…”

The Role of Regulatory T Cells in Allergic Diseases: Collegium Internationale Allergologicum (CIA) Update 2024

“…The prevalence of food allergy has dramatically increased over the last decades, affecting up to 8% of children and 10% of adults, represents a worldwide health problem with a significant socioeconomic impact [132]. Several factors have been suggested as contributors to the development of food allergy or sensitization, including genetic predisposition, manifestation of atopic disease, family history of food allergy, increased hygiene, exposome, or the timing and route of exposure to foods [133]. Cow's milk, egg, peanut, wheat, or tree nuts are among the most common food allergens in children, while frequent allergens in adults include peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish or fish.…”

World Health Organization (WHO) guideline on the complementary feeding of infants and young children aged 6−23 months 2023: A multisociety response

“…The burden of childhood allergic disease has markedly increased during past decades, reaching 10% in some HICs, 15 and currently it is also rapidly increasing in many LMICs. 16,17 High-quality evidence from several randomized clinical trials demonstrates that earlier introduction of allergenic complementary foods before the age of 6 months, along with continued breastfeeding, can markedly reduce the risk of food allergies. [18][19][20][21] A recent European evidence-based guideline on allergy prevention concluded that the most effective time window for introducing peanuts with CF for risk reduction of allergy is 4−6 months of age.…”