Introduction
Food allergy (FA) is a significant health burden globally (Figure 1).
Studies estimating FA prevalence have varied, depending on diagnostic
method, number and type of allergens, and geographical location;
however, there is general consensus that FA is increasing. The
population-based Melbourne HealthNuts and SchoolNuts studies estimated
FA using oral food challenges (OFC), the gold standard for diagnosing
FA. The study found a FA prevalence rate of 10% in infants and 4% to
5% in older children and young adolescents.1 In the
US, using cross-sectional population-based surveys, FA prevalence has
been estimated at approximately 8% in children and 11% in
adults;2,3 In Europe, using data from the
EuroPrevall-iFAAM birth cohort, prevalence in children was found to be
much lower at 1.4-3.8%.4 FA additionally presents
with significant impacts to quality of life 5,6 and a
high economic burden.7 While the first approved
treatment for peanut allergy (PA) is now available,8the current standard of care for other food allergens remains strict
avoidance. Advancements in the field of allergen immunotherapy and the
development of biologics and other novel therapies have continued to
push towards safe and effective options for FA
treatment.9,10 Additionally, recent efforts have
shifted focus to investigate innovations in the realm of diagnostics,
endotyping, and primary prevention. In this review, we provide an
overview of major recent developments in the diagnosis, prevention, and
treatment of FA.