August 19, 2014

Study Reveals High Food Allergy Risks Among Inner-City Kids

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

New research shows that kids from the inner city are more susceptible to developing allergies long-term. Previous studies have shown that children who live in urban environments are more prone to asthma and environmental allergies than those from suburban or rural areas. According to the National Institutes of Health, around 3% of adults and 6% of young children in the US have at least one food allergy, with a large portion of those numbers living in urban areas.

Pediatricians, psychologists, and nutritionists recognize the critical role of children’s vitamins and minerals in your child’s overall development.

The study found that 1 in 10 children in Baltimore, Boston, New York City, and St. Louis have a food allergy – but scientists noted that the actual number could be even higher, because the study only examined the three most common allergies: peanuts, eggs, and milk. Of the allergens, peanuts were the largest culprit, with 6% of children who are allergic. Eggs were second at 4.3%, and 2.7% were allergic to milk. Still, there is no concrete information on why exactly the inner cities have the largest percentage of kids with allergies.

Breastfed children appeared to have a higher risk for developing food allergies. Children living in houses with higher levels of endotoxin, a molecule released by certain types of bacteria, were less likely to have a food allergy.

Click here for more information on food and environmental allergies!

Curcumin from Turmeric may help allergies

Over the last few decades there has been a worldwide increase in the percentage of people with allergies and asthma. Curcumin found in the herb Turmeric, a frequently used spice in Asia has anti-inflammatory activity and anti-allergy activity.

In this study mice with an allergy to latex were treated with Curcumin. If the mice were exposed to latex they had an increase in immunoglobulins, and immune system cells that are causative in allergic reactions and asthmatic attacks known as eosinophils. They developed inflammation in their lungs upon exposure. If the mice were supplemented with Curcumin from Turmeric during latex exposure they had a reduction of inflammation in their lungs and a decrease in the inappropriate immune system attack on their lungs and airways. Allergy presenting cells and eosinophil activity was also reduced. The study is published in the January 2007 issue of Clinical and Molecular Allergy.