Old age onset of food allergy

Wednesday, 03 March 2010 02:35

Most studies that report an increasing incidence of food allergies focus mainly on children and young adults. Researchers at the Medical University of Vienna in Austria have looked at food allergies in the elderly and suggest prevalence may be underestimated in this age-group.

Immunosenescence, or dramatic age-related changes to the immune system, may contribute to the development of allergies in geriatric patients, as may deficiencies in micronutrients such as zinc, iron and vitamin D. The researchers also suggest the impact of atrophic gastritis or anti-ulcer medication on the digestive ability of the stomach as a further risk factor for developing food allergies later in life. They say in these settings, undigested proteins may persist and become allergenic.

Reference: Diesner et al. Gerontology. 2010 Jan 29