How Common Are Kids Food Allergies?

We are all well versed in knowing that kids food allergies can be serious. Even deadly. What are the most common food allergies in children and does it really seem like EVERY child now has some type of food allergy?

I hear it all the time--"it seems like kids these days have WAY more allergies than when we were kids."

Percentage of Kids with Food Allergies

It does seem that way, doesn't it? However, according to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) only 6% of children under three have a food allergy, 4-8% of children and 2% of adults. However, the amount is quickly rising and these numbers may not include those who have an intolerance to a particular food--only those diagnosed with a food allergy through testing or after experiencing a severe allergic reaction.

Eight Common Food Allergens

There are eight common allergens in kids with a newly emerging ninth one-- lupin . A lupin allergy is not as common but is set to quickly grow in the coming years. Of the percentage of kids who have allergies 30% will have an allergy to more than one of these common eight food allergies. This graph shows the percentage of children who experience the eight common allergies:

Peanuts: 25%, Milk: 21%, Shellfish: 17%, Tree nuts: 13%, Eggs: 10%, Fish: 6%, Wheat: 5%, Soy: 5%

How did you fare? Did you think wheat scored higher than other allergy inducers? What's your take on the prevalence of food allergies nowadays?

Getting Started

I know one of the hardest things about having food allergies is feeling like I'm not able to eat like my friends and family can! I'm here to help! Check out my large collection of restaurant copycat recipes and kid friendly recipes!