Food allergy

A food allergy is an immune-system reaction to a food protein. It can cause symptoms ranging from hives and digestive problems to life-threatening anaphylaxis.

Immunoglobulin E: Immunoglobulin E is an antibody class involved in allergic reactions and defense against some parasites. In many food allergies, allergen-specific IgE triggers rapid mediator release.
Oral food challenge: An oral food challenge is a supervised procedure in which increasing amounts of a food are eaten to assess reactivity. It can confirm or rule out allergy when history and testing do not settle the diagnosis.
Food protein: A food protein is a chain of amino acids present in an edible substance. Food allergens are proteins that the immune system recognizes and reacts to.
Peanut allergy: Peanut allergy is an immune reaction to proteins in peanuts that can cause reactions ranging from mild symptoms to anaphylaxis. Peanuts are a frequent cause of persistent allergy and severe reactions.
Dual-allergen-exposure hypothesis: The dual-allergen-exposure hypothesis proposes that skin exposure can promote food sensitization while early oral exposure can encourage tolerance. It helps explain why eczema and patterns of infant feeding may influence food allergy risk.
Mast cell: A mast cell is an immune cell that stores inflammatory mediators in granules and releases them when activated. Food allergens cross-link IgE on mast cells, prompting release of histamine and other mediators.
Skin prick test: A skin prick test introduces a small amount of an allergen into the skin to assess an immediate reaction. It can identify sensitization to suspected foods, but a positive result alone does not prove clinical allergy.
Allergen: An allergen is a substance that can trigger an allergic immune response in a susceptible person. Food proteins are one class of allergens, alongside substances such as pollen and animal dander.
Cow's milk allergy: Cow's milk allergy is an immune reaction to proteins in cow's milk. It often begins in infancy, and many affected children eventually outgrow it.
LEAP study: The LEAP study was a randomized trial showing that early peanut consumption reduced peanut allergy among high-risk infants. Its findings shifted prevention guidance toward introducing peanut in infancy for some children.

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