Self-reported prevalence and risk factors associated with food hypersensitivity in Mexican young adults

Association Between Self-Reported Lactose Intolerance, Additional Environmental Factors, and Bone Mineral Density in Young Adults

OBJECTIVES

This study examines the relationship between self-reported lactose intolerance (LI), environmental factors, and their effects on bone mineral density (BMD) in young adults from Slovakia.

METHODS

We assessed 985 adults aged 18-30 years, with an average age of 21.61 ± 2.32 years, who were enrolled in this pilot cross-sectional study during the period 2019-2023. Individual environmental factors (smoking status, alcohol consumption, physical activity, milk and milk product intake, and calcium intake) and self-reported LI were assessed using a detailed questionnaire. BMD was analyzed using the QUS device (Sunlight MiniOmni), and total weight was measured with the InBody 770 bioimpedance analyzer.

RESULTS

Linear regression analysis showed the independent influence of age, total weight, and the presence of LI on the speed of sound in meters per second (SOS; m/s) and Z-score parameters in women (p < 0.05), whereas in men, age and smoking status were significant predictors of SOS (p < 0.05), and age and LI status significantly influenced the Z-score (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In the present study of young Slovak adults, the presence of self-reported LI and smoking had a negative effect on BMD, resulting in lower BMD in the radius.

Red Meat Hypersensitivity and Probable Alpha-Gal Syndrome: Prevalence Among Adolescents

INTRODUCTION

It is unknown whether late adolescents represent a particular risk group for the development of red meat hypersensitivity (RMH) and alpha-gal syndrome (AGS). This age group's physiological changes and eating habits could play a determining role. This study aimed to estimate the self-reported prevalence of RMH and probable AGS among late adolescents.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study analyzed a sample of 1992 Mexican adolescents between 15 and 18 years of age. The data were obtained with a previously validated questionnaire that asked about the clinical manifestations related to red meat intake. Confidence intervals at 95% (95% CI) were estimated for proportions.

RESULTS

In total, there were 19 adolescents with RMH, a prevalence of 1.0% (95% CI: 0.6-1.5%). The main red meats related to symptoms were pork (89.5%), beef (21.1%), lamb (10.5%), and mutton (5.1%). The most frequent manifestations of RMH were gastrointestinal (73.7%), respiratory (63.2%), and cutaneous (63.2%). Once the symptoms were grouped, there were two cases of urticaria (2/19, 10.5%) and six cases with probable anaphylaxis (6/19, 31.6%). Finally, three adolescents were considered probable cases of AGS, which represents a prevalence of 0.15% (95% CI: 0.1-0.4%).

CONCLUSION

Although the prevalence of RMH in late adolescents is low, early detection is justified because approximately one-third present with severe symptoms.

Revisiting Fruit Allergy: Prevalence across the Globe, Diagnosis, and Current Management

Fruit allergies manifest with a diverse array of clinical presentations, ranging from localized contact allergies and oral allergy syndrome to the potential for severe systemic reactions including anaphylaxis. The scope of population-level prevalence studies remains limited, largely derived from single-center or hospital-based investigations. In this comprehensive review, we conducted a systematic literature search spanning the years 2009 to 2023, with full acknowledgment of potential analytical biases, to provide a global overview of fruit allergy prevalence. The primary mechanistic underpinning of fruit allergies stems from cross-reactivity between aeroallergens and food allergens, a consequence of structurally similar epitopes-a phenomenon recognized as pollen food allergy syndrome (PFAS). In the era of molecular allergology, numerous studies have dissected allergen components with substantial clinical relevance. Within this review, we explore important allergenic molecules found in plant-based foods, scrutinize pertinent cross-reactivity patterns, and offer insights into management recommendations. Additionally, we compare guideline recommendations to enhance clinical understanding and inform decision making.

Clinical Presentation of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth from Aerodigestive Tract Bacteria Versus Colonic-Type Bacteria: A Comparison Study

BACKGROUND

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is a heterogenous syndrome from excessive bacteria in the small intestine lumen. It is unknown if differences in type of bacterial overgrowth lead to differences in symptoms.

METHODS

Patients with suspected SIBO were recruited prospectively. Exclusion criteria were probiotics, antibiotics, or bowel prep in preceding 30 days. Clinical characteristics, risk factors, and labs were collected. Proximal jejunal aspiration via upper enteroscopy was performed. Aerodigestive tract (ADT) SIBO was defined as > 10⁵ CFU/mL of oropharyngeal and respiratory bacteria. Colonic-type SIBO was defined as > 10⁴ CFU/mL of distal small bowel and colon bacteria. Aims were to compare symptom profiles, clinical complications, labs, and underlying risk factors between ADT and colonic-type SIBO.

KEY RESULTS

We consented 166 subjects. Aspiration was not obtained in 22 and SIBO was found in 69 (49%) of 144 subjects. Daily abdominal distention trended towards more prevalent in ADT SIBO versus colonic-type SIBO (65.2% vs 39.1%, p = 0.09). Patient symptom scores were similar. Iron deficiency was more prevalent in ADT SIBO (33.3% vs 10.3%, p = 0.04). Subjects with colonic-type SIBO were more likely to have a risk factor for colonic bacteria colonization (60.9% vs 17.4%, p = 0.0006). Subjects with ADT SIBO were more likely to have a risk factor for diminished gastric acid (91.3% vs 67.4%, p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

We found differences in iron deficiency and underlying risk factors between ADT and colonic-type SIBO. However, distinct clinical profiles remained elusive. Future research is needed to develop validated symptom assessment tools and distinguish cause from correlation.

[Prevalence of cow´s milk allergy and lactose intolerance among Mexican late adolescents]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of cow´s milk allergy and lactose intolerance in a sample of late adolescents.

METHODS

Through a population-based study, data corresponding to students with aged 15 to 18 years were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 1992 adolescents was analized. The prevalence of cow´s milk allergy was 1.4% (95% CI: 0.2% to 0.8%) and the prevalence of lactose intolerance was 0.5% (95% CI: 0.2% to 0.8%). Adolescents with cow´s milk allergy had fewer gastrointestinal symptoms (p = 0.036), but more skin (p < 0.001) and respiratory (p = 0.028) ailments than adolescents with lactose intolerance.

CONCLUSIONS

The manifestations associated with cow's milk consumption in late adolescents seem to correspond mainly to cow´s milk allergy than to lactose intolerance.

Comparing the Diagnostic Accuracy of Measures of Maternal Diet During Pregnancy for Offspring Allergy Outcomes: The Healthy Start Study

BACKGROUND

Allergic diseases in children are increasing. Although maternal diet quality in pregnancy may be protective, it is unclear which measure of maternal diet best predicts offspring diseases.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the associations between multiple diet measures and allergy outcomes, and to compare the diagnostic accuracy of the measures for the prediction of allergy outcomes.

METHODS

Maternal diet during pregnancy was measured using a validated instrument, and scored using 5 measures: the maternal diet index (MDI), Healthy Eating Index, total diet diversity, healthy diet diversity, and unhealthy diet diversity. Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models assessed associations between maternal diet measures and offspring allergy outcomes up to age 4 years. The diagnostic accuracy of the diet measures was compared.

RESULTS

There were significant associations between MDI (odds ratio [OR], 0.78; 95% CI, 0.70-0.87), Healthy Eating Index (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.97-0.99), and healthy diet diversity scores (OR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.85-0.98) during pregnancy and the primary combined outcome "any allergy excluding wheeze" in children up to age 4 years. Neither maternal total diet diversity (OR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.95-1.03) nor unhealthy diet diversity scores (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.98-1.13) were associated with the "any allergy excluding wheeze" outcome. For all outcomes studied, except for food allergy, there was a significant difference in the diagnostic accuracy between the 5 measures of maternal diet. The area under the curve for MDI was highest for every disease outcome, although not always significantly higher.

CONCLUSIONS

Better quality and higher diversity of a woman's diet during pregnancy, measured in various ways, is associated with offspring allergy outcomes, with healthy foods associated with decreased risk, and unhealthy foods associated with a higher risk. The MDI, which appropriately weighted both healthy and unhealthy foods, best predicted childhood allergic disease.

Associations of Food Intolerance with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Psychological Symptoms, and Quality of Life

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The impact of different types of food intolerance on gastrointestinal symptoms and quality of life (QOL) is poorly understood. We aimed to investigate associations of food intolerance and type of intolerance with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), health-related QOL, and psychological symptoms.

METHODS

We conducted an observational study of United States-based adults through an online survey. Demographics, culprit foods, symptoms, medical evaluation, Rome IV criteria for IBS, health-related QOL (Short-Form Health Survey 12), and anxiety and depression scores (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) were collected in participants with self-reported food intolerance (lactose, non-lactose food, lactose plus food intolerance), and controls with no intolerance. Univariable associations of group with study endpoints were analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis and Pearson χ2 or Fisher exact test. Multivariable comparisons were analyzed by logistic and linear regression.

RESULTS

A total of 197 patients with (59 lactose, 61 non-lactose food, 77 lactose plus food intolerance) and 273 patients without intolerance participated. Lactose, wheat, and eggs were the most common food triggers. Gas (54.2%), abdominal pain (40.2%), and diarrhea (37.3%) were frequently reported symptoms of food intolerance. Reactions caused 57.8% to eliminate the food. Rates of IBS, abnormal anxiety scores, and abnormal depression scores were highest in lactose plus food intolerance; Short-Form Health Survey 12 scores were lowest in lactose plus food intolerance. Multivariable analyses revealed all intolerance subgroups were more likely to have IBS than controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Food intolerance is associated with IBS, anxiety, depression, and decreased health-related QOL and frequently leads to food elimination. Adults with lactose and lactose plus food intolerance have higher rates of IBS, increased psychological symptoms, and poorer QOL.

[Self-reported prevalence of fructan food hypersensitivity in university students from the State of Mexico]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the self-reported prevalence of fructans food hypersensitivity in a sample of Mexican university students and to investigate the most frequent symptoms, the related foods involved, risk factors and gastrointestinal function status.

METHODS

A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted in a convenience sample of 412 university students aged from 18 to 35 years. Data were collected about their personal and family history of gastrointestinal diseases, the presence of symptoms after consumption of certain foods, and the severity of their symptoms.

RESULTS

The prevalence of fructans food hypersensitivity was 31.1 %; it was higher in women than in men. The most frequent gastrointestinal symptoms were bloating and flatulence. The most frequent extra-intestinal symptoms were fatigue and stress. The food groups related to the occurrence of symptoms were legumes, vegetables, and fruits. Significant association was found between female sex, personal and family history of gastrointestinal diseases and the presence of fructans food hypersensitivity (p < 0.05). Most individuals with fructans food hypersensitivity had mild gastrointestinal dysfunction (67.2 %).

CONCLUSIONS

FFH is a common condition, it was found in one third of university students and occurs mainly in women. More research and diffusion about this pathology is required.

A systematic review of psychological, clinical and psychosocial correlates of perceived food intolerance

OBJECTIVE

Perceived food intolerance (PFI) is a distressing condition reported by 3% - 35% of individuals, whereas prevalence of food allergy is 0.9%-3%. The present paper aims to systematically review the evidence for psychological, clinical and psychosocial factors associated with PFI in order to advance the current understanding.

METHODS

Articles published from 1970 until October 2020 were identified. Case-control, prospective cohort, cross-sectional and retrospective studies published in English that a) included a subject population of adults over 18 with PFI and b) examined psychological, clinical and/or psychosocial factors of PFI were reviewed against inclusion criteria. Methodological quality was assessed, data extracted, and a narrative synthesis conducted.

RESULTS

Of 2864 abstracts identified, thirty-six articles met inclusion criteria. Evidence consistently found PFI is associated with female sex, and individuals with PFI often report physical health complaints including gastrointestinal and extraintestinal symptoms, and gastrointestinal and atopic conditions. Evidence for an association between psychological factors and PFI was inconsistent, although some suggested increased levels of common mental disorders and distress. Findings regarding psychosocial factors were mixed and sociodemographic data were infrequently collected.

CONCLUSIONS

PFI is associated with female sex and gastrointestinal and extraintestinal complaints. Limited high-quality evidence supports the role of psychological factors associated with PFI. High-quality research using prospective and longitudinal designs with multivariate analyses is needed. Future research should explore modifiable psychological factors as potential targets for intervention and identify clinical and psychosocial risk factors of PFI to aid in formulating a biopsychosocial model of PFI.

Food Hypersensitivity in Children Aged 0-3 Years of the Lviv Region in Ukraine: A Cross-Sectional Study

Aim: To determine the prevalence and to estimate factors associated with food hypersensitivity in young children of the Lviv region in Ukraine. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional survey study was conducted between 2016 and 2017 in the Lviv region of Ukraine. A specially designed questionnaire about food hypersensitivity of young children developed and validated by M. J. Flokstra-de Blok was used after translation into the Ukrainian language. The questionnaire included 34 questions, grouped into general and detailed information. Parents of children aged 0-3 years were asked to complete the questionnaire at pre-schools and medical institutions. Results: Among 4,500 distributed questionnaires, 3,214 (71%) were completed and processed. Parents reported that 25% of their young children had food hypersensitivity. According to the survey the most common agents involved in food hypersensitivity in young children were cow's milk (34%), egg (28%), and wheat (24%). Hypersensitivity to milk occurred in 50% of children in the age group of 1-2 years. Regional differences associated with food hypersensitivity were also found. Namely, in the Carpathians, there was more hypersensitivity to fish (27%) and honey (22%) than in other regions, while hypersensitivity to soy was detected mostly in Lviv City residents (8.5%). Unknown causes of food hypersensitivity were highly reported (34%) in the Carpathians. Conclusion: Prevalence and some distinctiveness of food hypersensitivity revealed in four geographic and climate zones as well as in Lviv City have a considerable practical use for formulation of recommendations for children with food hypersensitivity.

Interdisciplinary Significance of Food-Related Adverse Reactions in Adulthood

Background: Adults frequently interpret food-associated adverse reactions as indicators of a food allergy. However, the public perception of food allergy may differ from a clinician's point of view. The prevalence of patient-reported food allergy tends to be higher than physician-confirmed cases. Dermatological manifestations (urticaria, pruritus, dermatitis, and edema) are frequently reported by patients. Objective: The aim of this study was to describe patient-reported symptoms related to suspected food allergies and particularly to characterize and highlight the volume of patients who visit Budapest allergy clinics with suspected food allergies. Methods: In this prospective study, adult (≥18 years) patients were examined at the Allergology Outpatient Unit of the Dept. of Dermatology, Venereology, and Dermatooncology, Semmelweis University, Budapest. The examination included a detailed medical history; physical examination; and when necessary the measurement of allergen-specific serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels. Results: Data from 501 patients (393 women, 108 men) were analyzed. Intolerance to dietary biogenic amines occurred in 250 cases (250/501, 50%). Oral allergy syndrome was confirmed in 71 patients (71/501, 14%). Allergy to food preservatives was diagnosed in 14 (14/501, 3%) cases by a dermatologist-allergist specialist. Five individuals (5/501, 1%) were diagnosed with IgE-mediated food allergy. In some cases (28/501, 6%), edema-inducing/enhancing side effects of drugs were observed which patients had misattributed to various foods. Among the food groups considered to be provoking factors, the most frequently mentioned were fruits (198/501, 40%), milk/dairy products (174/501, 35%), and nuts/oilseeds (144/501, 29%). Overwhelmingly, urticaria (47%) was the most common dermatological diagnosis, followed by dermatitis (20%) and allergic contact dermatitis (8%). Conclusion: Improvement is needed in food allergy, food intolerance, and general nutritional knowledge among the general public. According to our data, perceived/self-reported food allergies were overestimated by adults when compared against physician-confirmed food allergies; however, other diseases potentially responsible for food-related problems were underestimated. The prevalence of oral allergy syndrome was high in the cohort. Intolerance to dietary biogenic amines was common, and although the role of dietary histamine and biogenic amine is not entirely understood in eliciting patients' symptoms, improvements in complaints were reported during the control visits.

Self-reported hypersensitivity and allergy to foods amongst Mexican adolescents: Prevalence and associated factors

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of food allergy is on the rise on a global scale.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of food hypersensitivity (FHS) and probable food allergy (PFA), as well as the foods and factors associated with these occurrences.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was carried out among 1992 adolescents (aged 15-18 years). Each adolescent answered a structured questionnaire. A multivariate analysis was used to identify the association between the variables.

RESULTS

The prevalence of FHS was 10.6% (the most commonly associated foods were shrimp, cow's milk and avocado) and the PFA was 7.8% (shrimp, cow's milk and pecan). The prevalences of oral allergy syndrome, food-associated urticaria and systemic reaction were 4.9%, 3.6% and 1.5%, respectively. The following factors were associated with FHS: personal history of asthma (OR 1.63; 95% CI: 1.11-2.41), allergic rhinitis (OR 2.60; 95% CI: 1.75-3.87), atopic dermatitis (OR 2.07; 95% CI: 1.25-3.43), maternal history of asthma (OR 1.80; 95% CI: 1.02-3.16), atopic dermatitis (OR 6.11; 95% CI: 2.45-15.29), and female sex (OR 1.89; 95% CI: 1.38-2.59). PFA was associated with a personal history of asthma (OR 1.65; 95% CI: 1.06-2.56), allergic rhinitis (OR 2.46; 95% CI: 1.56-3.88), atopic dermatitis (OR 2.02; 95% CI: 1.15-3.54), paternal allergic rhinitis (OR 2.52; 95% CI: 1.15-5.51), maternal atopic dermatitis (OR 7.46; 95% CI: 2.93-19.00), and female sex (OR 1.89; 95% CI: 1.31-2.72).

CONCLUSION

The adverse reactions associated with foods among late adolescents are a frequent occurrence, and the most commonly associated factor is atopy.

Self-reported prevalence of clinical features of allergy to nuts and seeds, and seafood in university students

Background

In developing countries, there is a lack of epidemiological information related to food hypersensitivity, including nuts and seafood.

Objective

The aim was to determine the prevalence of allergic reactions and clinical manifestations associated with the consumption of nuts and seeds or seafood in university students.

Methods

We designed an observational cross-sectional study. A structured questionnaire was applied to Mexican university students to identify allergic reactions associated with the consumption of nuts and seeds, and seafood.

Results

A sample of 1,200 students was included; mean age of 19.7 ± 1.7 years. Prevalence of symptoms associated with the consumption of nuts and seeds, and seafood were 2.8% (33 of 1,200) and 3.5% (42 of 1,200) respectively. The main clinical manifestations were abdominal pain (63.6% in nuts and seeds), flushing (50% in seafood), and pharyngeal oppression (19% in seafood). Prevalence of perceived, probable and systemic allergy to nuts and seeds was 2.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.5%–3.0%), 0.8% (95% CI, 0.3%–1.3%) and 0.2% (95% CI, 0%–0.4%) respectively. On the other hand, the prevalence (perceived, probable, and systemic) associated with seafood consumption was 3.5% (95% CI, 2.5%–4.5%), 1.8% (95% CI, 1.0%–2.5%), and 0.5% (95% CI, 0.1%–0.9%). Walnut and shrimp were the most frequently reported foods.

Conclusion

For every 100 Mexican university students, approximately 3 or 4 perceived to have allergy attributed to the consumption of some nuts and seeds or seafood, while 1 or 2 students would have a probable reaction to this same type of food. Walnut and shrimp would be causing the higher quantity of food allergic reactions.

Self-report prevalence and associated factors to drug hypersensitivity in Mexican young adults

Background

Drug hypersensitivity is defined as any unfavorable reaction that occurs after the administration of any drug. It may or may not be mediated by the involvement of the immune system. Epidemiological data related to drug hypersensitivity reactions in our country are scarce.

Objective

To determine the prevalence of drug hypersensitivity in a group of young adults, as well as to identify associated factors.

Methods

A structured questionnaire was applied to young people aged 18 to 25 years. The instrument was oriented to identify reactions of drug hypersensitivity, as well as the most prevalent drugs involved. In addition, a personal and family history of atopic diseases was included. Analysis for associations between variables was been done through logistic regression.

Results

The prevalence of drug hypersensitivity reactions was 12% (144 of 1,200). The antibiotics were the agents most related to hypersensitivity reactions (9.8%) followed by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (1.6%). Factors associated with drug hypersensitivity were a personal history of asthma, odds ratio (OR) 3.15 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.44–6.91), maternal and paternal history of drug hypersensitivity, OR 2.33 (95% CI, 1.21–4.48) and OR 3.11 (95% CI, 1.22–7.92), respectively.

Conclusion

The results of this research show that drug hypersensitivity in young adults is a highly prevalent event and it is associated with personal history of asthma and history of drug hypersensitivity in parents.

Adverse reactions to food: the female dominance - A secondary publication and update

Gender-specific differences are evident in food intolerance and allergy. In this review, we will highlight and summarize the dissimilarities in prevalence of adverse food reactions, focusing on IgE-mediated food allergies and intolerances regarding frequency of symptoms and predisposing factors. After puberty, females suffer more frequently from food-related symptoms than males. Several factors may be responsible for this observation, for example hormonal effects, gender-specific behavior, perception of risk, or intake of medications. In this context, concrete studies related to adverse food reactions are still lacking.