Food Allergy Manuscript Development Project

Previous research has shown that food allergy is a growing and potentially life-threatening concern in the United States that affects an estimated 8% of children,1-3 yet little is known regarding why the number of children with food allergies continues to increase. Currently, data on specific food allergy life course is written from a self-report perspective with little biological verification. The Children’s Memorial Food Allergy Study will expand this data by allowing us the ability to discuss all aspects of a specific food allergy including testing data, self-report, and even family influences. Additionally, many theories exist that attempt to elucidate biologically plausible reasons for the growing number of food allergic children in the United States—from the hygiene hypothesis to the rapid changes in our collective food environment. However, an evidence base has yet to be established that either substantiates or refutes many of the proposed theories. This database collected information on possible exposures that could be potentially associated with food allergy that have yet to be rigorously studied including: antibiotics, pets, farming environment, various infections, childcare center/preschool, breastfeeding, maternal food and medication exposures throughout breastfeeding, and atopy among others. Once analyzed, these data have the potential to advance the growing body of food allergy literature. Ultimately, research findings from the Children’s Food Allergy Study will be used to inform the translation of clinical knowledge into pediatric practice and prevention measures.