Surge in Adult Food Allergies: Experts Seek Answers

It’s becoming increasingly common for adults to experience allergic reactions later in life, and the reasons behind this trend remain unclear. A 2019 study published in JAMA indicated that nearly half of all adults reported developing at least one food allergy as adults.

Ilana Golant, the founder and CEO of the Food Allergy Foundation (FAF) in New York City, shared her own experience, noting that she developed allergies in her 40s. “It’s not understood at all, it’s not recognized. I really can’t say why these reactions are starting at that age,” she remarked.

Recently, FAF organized a forum in Washington, D.C., which was attended by notable figures like Secretary of Health Robert F. Kennedy, FDA Commissioner Martin McCulley, and NIH Director Jay Bhattacharyya. During this event, health officials and researchers explored whether gut microbes might contribute to the rise in allergies.

In an interview, McCulley discussed how our understanding of the microbiome has evolved. He explained that the gut hosts a vast array of bacteria, which ideally coexist harmoniously. However, modern dietary habits, the use of antibiotics, and other factors can disrupt this balance, potentially leading to inflammation—a factor linked to health issues and food allergies.

Golant highlighted what she sees as a “critical inflection point” where certain foods trigger allergies more often in adults compared to children. Foods like shellfish and tree nuts seem to be particularly problematic for adults.

A study from 2018 involving over 40,000 individuals confirmed that among adults, shellfish is the most common allergen. Golant expressed her relief that she was aware of her allergies when she first encountered an anaphylactic reaction. “If I didn’t know about food allergies, I would have thought I was having a heart attack,” she noted. “Genetics don’t evolve that quickly. Within one generation, food allergies have exploded.”

FAF estimates that around 1 in 10 adults has a food allergy. Golant mentioned that this phenomenon is likely due to a combination of environmental elements. “We’re not quite sure which factors are at play yet, but it seems more likely that it’s a perfect storm of many influences,” she added.