Food allergen sensitization patterns in a large allergic population in Mexico.
Introduction and objectives: Although food allergy is recognized as a growing worldwide public health problem, there continues to be limited data on prevalence rates in developing and emerging countries. Most prevalence estimates are based on self-reports, with only few studies using objective assessments. The aim was to analyze the frequency of sensitization to food allergens by serum specific IgE in a large group of unselected allergic patients in Mexico. Materials and methods: We analyzed data registries from patients of all ages with suspected food allergy referred to a specialized laboratory in Mexico City from January 2016 to April 2018. A descriptive analysis, and an age/food-group comparison were made. Results: A total of 2633 subjects tested for food allergy were identified during the study period; 1795 subjects fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The overall positivity (sIgE≥0.35kUA/L) to at least one food was 24%. The most frequently positive foods were hazelnut, apple, shrimp, peanut, egg white, egg yolk, peach, almond, tomato, bean, milk, strawberry, kiwi, maize and wheat. Positivity for some foods was more frequent across different age groups, in young children (≤5 years) milk; in older children (6-17 years): peanut, almond, wheat, soy and maize; in adults: apple. We also found other foods with high positivity but less than 50 samples: rye 60%, mango 42.9%, carrot 37.5%, cashew 27.3%, banana 21.1% and oat 20.6%. Conclusion: Our study reported the presence of a differential regional IgE sensitization pattern as compared with the internationally reported one, highlighting the importance of local staple foods.
The influence of cultural attitudes to nut exposure on reported nut allergy: A pilot cross sectional study.
Food allergies in children have become a common management and diagnostic concern and have a significant influence on general health-related quality of life. We investigated the prevalence of reported nut allergy between populations with different cultural attitudes to nuts during pregnancy and infancy. We conducted a survey to investigate the relationship between cultural differences in the consumption of nuts during pregnancy, breastfeeding and exposure to nuts in early childhood against the reported prevalence of nut allergy between three populations: Libyan, UK Libyan and a general UK population. The survey was administered to a representative sample of UK and Libyan parents with children aged between 3 and 16 years who were asked to report prevalence of nut allergy and to describe the factors that might affect this such as cultural behaviours and diet. A total of 1,123 parents responded. Nut allergy was defined as an allergic reaction that required medical treatment. The reported rates of nut allergy showed a significant difference in nut allergy between the Libyan populations and the general UK population with an increased odds ratio of nut allergy of ~10 when comparing the Native Libyan population to the UK population. The UK Libyan population reported the same low rate of allergic reactions as the Libyan population which were both significantly lower than the UK population (p < .0001). The Libyan populations showed significant differences from the UK population in exposure to nuts during pregnancy, breastfeeding and early infancy. The development of peanut and almond allergy through tolerance induction could be prevented by frequent and early ingestion of a moderate quantity of nuts during infancy and by maternal ingestion during pregnancy or lactation.
Prevalence of IgE‐mediated sensitization in patients with suspected food allergic reactions in Jordan.
Background: Despite the recognition of food allergies as a significant cause of morbidity and a growing public health burden worldwide, there are no epidemiological studies addressing food sensitization and allergy in Jordan. Objective: To conduct an epidemiological study that retrospectively analyzes sensitization data from 3463 patients with suspected immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated food allergic reactions who performed specific IgE tests in our laboratories in Jordan. Methods: Specific IgE (s-IgE) tests were analyzed for patients who performed enzyme allegro-sorbent testing based on either self-reported food allergy or upon physician's request. Results: 2.3% of the analyzed samples were cross-reactive to carbohydrate determinants. A quarter of the patients were sensitized to one or more food allergens, with males having higher odds of being s-IgE positive. Furthermore, a higher prevalence of sensitization was seen in infants and children compared with adults. s-IgE was most frequently found against cow milk (11.2%), pistachio (4.9%), soybean (4.6%), cherry (4.4%), and orange (4.4%). Interestingly, the s-IgE class distribution profile of pistachio differed from the rest of the top hits being skewed away from the weak class 1 leaning more towards higher IgE classes. Food allergen sensitization was age group-dependent: milk, tree nuts, and eggs were the main food groups causing sensitization in infants, while it was fruits followed by milk in children and adults. Conclusions: Our work represents the first epidemiological study addressing food sensitization in Jordan. This study lays a solid foundation for future studies that can help better guide food allergy diagnosis, patient dietary modifications, and food elimination plans, as well as assist decision-makers in the region to develop national strategies for an efficient and sustainable healthcare system.
Late introduction of solids into infants’ diets may increase the risk of food allergy development.
Background: This study investigated risk factors associated with food allergy or food intolerance among school children in two Swedish towns. Methods: Questionnaires were used to collect data on self-reported food allergy or intolerance (SRFA) in children aged 7-8 years from Mölndal in southwestern Sweden and Kiruna in northern Sweden. It included questions about specific food allergy or intolerance to cows' milk, hens' eggs, fish, peanuts, tree nuts, and cereals and also age of onset, type of symptoms and age of cessation. Information was also gathered on family allergy history, dietary habits, and certain lifestyle aspects. Results: Of 1838 questionnaires distributed, 1029 were returned: 717/1354 (53%) from Mölndal and 312/484 (64%) from Kiruna. The cumulative incidence of SRFA was 19.6% with a significantly higher cumulative incidence in Kiruna (28.5%) than in Mölndal (15.7%), P < .001. Solids were introduced at a later age in Kiruna. Introduction of solids into a child's diet from the age of 7 months or later, and maternal history of allergic disease, were both risk factors associated with a higher risk of food allergy or intolerance. Conclusion: Late introduction of solids into an infant's diet may be one risk factor for developing food allergy or intolerance. Later introduction of solids in Kiruna may be one explanation for the higher cumulative incidence of SRFA in that region.
The Utility of Genomic and Transcriptomic Data in the Construction of Proxy Protein Sequence Databases for Unsequenced Tree Nuts.
As the apparent incidence of tree nut allergies rises, the development of MS methods that accurately identify tree nuts in food is critical. However, analyses are limited by few available tree nut protein sequences. We assess the utility of translated genomic and transcriptomic data for library construction with Juglans regia, walnut, as a model. Extracted walnuts were subjected to nano-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (n-LC-MS/MS), and spectra were searched against databases made from a six-frame translation of the genome (6FT), a transcriptome, and three proteomes. Searches against proteomic databases yielded a variable number of peptides (1156-1275), and only ten additional unique peptides were identified in the 6FT database. Searches against a transcriptomic database yielded results similar to those of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) proteome (1200 and 1275 peptides, respectively). Performance of the transcriptomic database was improved via the adjustment of RNA-Seq read processing methods, which increased the number of identified peptides which align to seed allergen proteins by ~20%. Together, these findings establish a path towards the construction of robust proxy protein databases for tree nut species and other non-model organisms.
yummex Middle East
yummex Middle East is back for business in its 14th edition from 3-5 November 2020 in Dubai.
Modelled after the world’s leading trade fair for sweets and snacks – ISM - yummex ME is the no.1 platform for producers and manufacturers of the sweets, confectionery and snacks industry to present their products and innovations to the Who-is-Who of the MENA region. Gulfood Manufacturing, taking place at the same time, makes it possible for exhibitors and visitors to access even more synergies for their business. Become part of it and get your piece of the pie!
Biofach India
Every year, India's biggest platform for the organic industry sees excellent business deals, an outstanding climate for investment, a remarkable number of extremely promising contacts, and high-level business networking. Buyers from Europe, USA, Middle-East and Southeast Asia attend the event to look at procurement sources from Indian market. The show is also designed to provide a platform for interactive sessions between buyers and exhibitors. BIOFACH INDIA has cemented its position in the Indian organic industry & with every edition, the exhibition sets a new benchmark.
FHC China 2020
After more than 20 years of development, FHC – Shanghai Global Food Trade Show has become a leading trade show in China’s Food & Hospitality market. Under the huge market demand of Chinese catering industry, FHC is committed to creating an important platform for multinational companies to enter the Chinese food and beverage market. In its 23rd edition, It reached 180,000㎡exhibition area space, with 133,751 trade visitors, an increase of 13% over the last year, and 3,500 exhibitors, breaking all records of previous exhibitions.
SIAL Interfood 2020
SIAL Group and Krista Exhibitions proudly present SIAL InterFOOD, the leading food and beverage exhibition in Indonesia, running for 19 years.
A collaboration between two strong powers in the food and beverage industry delivers this exciting event an exciting platform assisting food and beverage companies to breakthrough into the promising ASEAN market.
UNECE - Working Party on Agricultural Quality Standards
Seventy-sixth session of the UNECE Working Party on Agricultural Quality Standards.
http://www.unece.org/trade/wp7/wp7-76th-2020.html