Food allergies: prevalence, molecular characterization, and treatment/prevention strategies.

A significant proportion of the population is either affected by or concerned about food allergy. Our knowledge about food allergens and how they stimulate the immune system has increased dramatically over the past decade. However, reasons for the increased prevalence of food allergy are not clear. The diagnosis of food allergy requires that the patient and caregivers examine all foods for the presence of potential allergens in order to prevent inadvertent ingestion and further reactions. Fortunately, many children develop tolerance to allergenic foods after a period of dietary elimination. Various immunotherapy approaches are under investigation to alleviate or prevent food-induced reactions in those who have persistent food allergies.