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Food allergy affects more than 1% to 2%, but less than 10%, of the U.S. population, yet this potentially life-threatening condition is poorly understood. In an NIH-sponsored review of food allergy studies from 1988 to 2009, the authors note their analysis was hampered by lack of high-quality studies and by lack of consensus on the definition and diagnosis of food allergy. They make the following observations:
The general perception that food allergy prevalence is increasing has not been established in well-designed studies.
Skin-prick testing and in vitro specific IgE (sIgE) determination are both sensitive, but not specific: Roughly 50% of patients with a questionable history and positive test result will not have true food allergy. Food cha…