Millions of Americans Actually Don't Have a Food Allergy, Says Study
- 5 years ago
Millions of Americans
Actually Don't Have a
Food Allergy, Says Study A survey of 40,000 Americans
was conducted between October
of 2015 and September of 2016. It found that 19% of
those surveyed reported
that they had a food allergy. Only 10.8% reported
actual symptoms consistent
with an actual food allergic reaction. True food allergies are
when the immune system has a fast
and specific overreaction to a particular food. Lactose intolerance and
celiac disease are common
examples of these. Researchers think that
those surveyed were
probably confusing a food
intolerance with an actual food allergy. Study authors warn
against making a self-diagnosis. Ruchi Gupta, lead study author, via Gizmodo
Actually Don't Have a
Food Allergy, Says Study A survey of 40,000 Americans
was conducted between October
of 2015 and September of 2016. It found that 19% of
those surveyed reported
that they had a food allergy. Only 10.8% reported
actual symptoms consistent
with an actual food allergic reaction. True food allergies are
when the immune system has a fast
and specific overreaction to a particular food. Lactose intolerance and
celiac disease are common
examples of these. Researchers think that
those surveyed were
probably confusing a food
intolerance with an actual food allergy. Study authors warn
against making a self-diagnosis. Ruchi Gupta, lead study author, via Gizmodo