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2023-03-01 11:53:28

Are Food Allergies Genetic?

Peanuts

You bite into a delicious red pepper and suddenly, you’re breaking out in hives. Your child enjoyed their favorite peanut butter candy, and now their lips are swollen. It sounds like you might be dealing with a food allergy!

Food allergies are a growing concern today, and many people wonder if they are hereditary — are babies born with food allergies? Importantly, is there anything parents can do to potentially protect them from these health complications?

In this blog, we’ll explore the connection between genetics and food allergies. We also deep dive into some of the most common food allergies and how they can manifest in people who experience them.

How Do Food Allergies Develop?

The development of food allergies may be seen in those with genetic susceptibility.

One study suggests that food allergies tend to run in families. Children with a parent or sibling with a particular food allergy are more likely to develop the same allergy themselves. Other research on identical twins found heritability among allergic diseases such as asthma, atopic dermatitis, and rhinitis. Furthermore, a study reports that genetic factors such as human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes, immune system genes, and inflammation genes can be found to play a role in developing food allergies.

However, simply having a family history of food allergies does not guarantee that a person will develop them.

Research tells us that food allergies develop when your food tolerance breaks down or when the individual doesn’t build a tolerance up quickly enough. Generally, the immune system works to defend us from bacteria and viruses. When your food tolerance breaks down or develops late, your immune system treats these proteins as foreign invaders in your body. This means every time you consume that food, your immune system prompts your body to develop an allergic reaction.

This means that allergies don’t simply boil down to genetics. Several environmental factors play a role in developing food allergies, including early-life exposure, diet, hygiene, stress, or pollution. Thus, the conversation around food allergies involves both nature and nurture.

How to Prevent Your Baby from Developing Food Allergies

As you now know, food allergies develop through both genetic and environmental factors. Fortunately, there are ways to significantly reduce the risk that your child develops a food allergy later in life. As a parent, here are some things that can help reduce your baby’s food allergy risk.

Mom taking care of her daughter with food allergies

First, you can slowly expose your child to that food over time. Introducing allergy-causing foods early and gradually to babies, starting at around four to 11 months of age, can help improve their chances of developing immunity or tolerance to food allergies. It’s even suggested that babies are introduced to these types of food about two to seven times per week for several months.

Even more, why not consider allergy testing if there is a strong family history of allergies? And of course, it’s beneficial and highly recommended to talk to your pediatrician about the best feeding plan for your baby. Your doctor may have specific recommendations based on your baby’s health and risk factors.

What are the Most Common Food Allergies?

Maybe your child goes to school with someone who has a peanut allergy — it certainly isn’t unheard of! But that’s not the only one you’ll encounter. The most common types of food allergies (aside from peanuts) are immunological responses to proteins found in cow-based milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, soy, tree nuts, and wheat.

Two kids drinking milk

In addition, according to the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (FALCPA), these are the eight most common allergenic foods that make up 90% of food allergic reactions in the United States, with soybeans also on the list.

FALCPA requires that food products that contain or have protein derived from any one of the eight major food allergens must clearly identify the food source names. With proper labeling, allergic consumers can easily identify foods or ingredients that they should avoid.

What are the Symptoms of Food Allergies?

Maybe you have a food allergy you’re not aware of. Or perhaps you unknowingly eat something with an allergen. What warning signs should you be on the lookout for?

Symptoms of food allergies vary among people. For some, the symptoms are not always present while others may experience more serious signs. The reaction can depend on a number of factors, such as the amount of food allergen consumed.

Most common symptoms of food allergies may appear within a few minutes to hours after consumption. Keep watch for the following symptoms of allergic reactions:

  • Coughing or wheezing
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Flushed skin
  • Hives
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Rashes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, and tongue
  • Swelling of the throat/difficulty swallowing
  • Tingling or itchy sensation in the mouth

What’s the Difference Between Allergies and Sensitivities?

While “allergy” and “sensitivity” are often used interchangeably, they’re not the same thing! Whereas an allergic reaction involves an immune response, food sensitivities happen in the digestive system. This is why the more common symptoms of food sensitivity are abdominal cramping, gas, bloating, nausea/vomiting, and diarrhea.

How eNational Testing Can Help

eNational Testing is your go-to for diagnostics and lab work. With more than 2,000 locations across the country, we’re never too far away. Plus, you don’t need a doctor’s visit first. If you or a loved one might be dealing with a food allergy or sensitivity, we can help! Answers can help prevent potentially harmful incidences. Order your tests online today.