What causes Food Allergies?
Food allergies occur when the immune system reacts inappropriately to a harmless food protein. Common causes include:
- Protein in foods – such as milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, or shellfish
- Cross-reactivity – allergies to pollen can sometimes trigger reactions to certain fruits or vegetables
- Genetic predisposition – family history of food allergies or atopic conditions
- Other allergic conditions – eczema, asthma, or allergic rhinitis increase the risk
What are the risk factors?
You may be more likely to develop a food allergy if you:
- Have a personal or family history of allergies or atopic conditions
- Have other allergic disorders, such as asthma or eczema
- Experienced severe reactions to foods previously
- Are a child, as some food allergies develop in early childhood
