food allergies

An experimental new drug may now make it possible for some people with allergies to peanuts to build up a tolerance over time, saving countless lives. Could similar allergy-treatments be in the works for other major food allergens? [1]
The clinical trial, funded by Aimmune Therapeutics, included 551 participants ranging in age from 4 to 55 years who suffered from a peanut allergy. Most of the children involved were between the ages of 4 and 17.

More Americans claim to have food allergies than ever before, but a report published in 2016 from the National Academy of Sciences says that it’s hard to know how many people in the U.S. actually have food allergies. Although many healthcare professionals involved in patient care agree that an increase has occurred, specifying its actual extent is complicated by factors such as inconsistent data or studies that use variable methods.

Halloween is fast approaching, so you’re probably seeing pumpkins with all kinds of interesting carvings and elaborate colors. Gone are the days of simple jack-o-lanterns. Pinterest has put those to shame. But if you see a teal pumpkin, it has special meaning.
Teal-colored pumpkins signify participation with and support of the Teal Pumpkin Project, an initiative started by FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education), to provide children with food allergies a safe trick-or-treating experience. [1]

The evidence isn’t just anecdotal; the number of children who have food allergies has skyrocketed in the past few decades. In an effort to combat this ever-increasing issue, researchers have found new evidence suggesting that introducing high-allergy-foods to children as young as 4 months old could curb some of these reactions later in life. [1]

If you have a child that is restricted to a “special” diet because of food allergies or other health issues, you know how expensive it can be trying to tailor your meals and snacks so that he doesn’t wind up with hives, or worse. Two Kansas moms with lots of experience in trying to keep their kiddos healthy and happy without breaking the bank decided to do something about it.

For decades parents have been told to delay feeding their children certain foods they could be allergic to, including peanuts, eggs, wheat, and milk. But recent studies suggest exposing at-risk children to potential allergens as infants might actually prevent them from developing an allergy.
Source: Genetic Literacy Project