Prevalence of food allergies in South Asia

• Published in: Annals of allergy, asthma, & immunology Vol. 118; no. 1; pp. 16 - 20
• Main Authors: Arakali, Schweta R., MD, Green, Todd D., MD, Dinakar, Chitra, MD
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.01.2017
• Subjects: Allergens - classification; Allergens - immunology; Allergy and Immunology; Animals; Asia - epidemiology; Asia - ethnology; Emigrants and Immigrants - statistics & numerical data; Food - adverse effects; Food Hypersensitivity - diagnosis; Food Hypersensitivity - epidemiology; Humans; Population Groups - statistics & numerical data; Population Surveillance; Prevalence
• ISSN: 1081-1206; 1534-4436
• DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2016.09.441

Abstract Objective To evaluate the published medical literature on the prevalence and types of food allergies in South Asia. Data Sources A PubMed search was performed using the keywords India and food allergy , Asia and food allergy , and South Asia and food allergy for any period. Articles cited in selected studies were reviewed for their appropriateness of inclusion into this review. Study Selection Publications were included that were original research and fit the topic of food allergy and South Asia. South Asia is defined as region inclusive of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Results A total of 169 articles were initially identified, and 47 were reviewed in detail for inclusion in this review. The primary focus was placed on 10 studies that consisted of case reports of newly reported or documented food allergy, survey studies that investigated food allergy prevalence in specific demographics, and prospective and cross-sectional studies with case controls, all of which investigated food allergy prevalence by allergy testing in a selected population. Conclusion The medical literature on the prevalence and types of food allergy in South Asia indicates that there is a variety of unusual and unique allergens and an overall low incidence of food allergy. There is also an association of increased food allergy prevalence in individuals who live in metropolitan regions or who migrate to communities that have adopted westernization.