The “Big 5,” or the five primary foods of milk, soy, egg, wheat, and peanut, account for around 90% of all common food allergies in toddlers. Sesame has just been added to the list of allergens. The remaining 10% of food is more uncommon and diverse, such as fruit or meat. Common food allergies in toddlers refer to a condition in which some children are hypersensitive to several food allergens. Food allergies frequently develop in children at a young age. However, they occasionally outgrow them.

Food allergies in adults can appear at any moment and usually do so as people age. Some children will develop a food allergy that will last their entire lives, starting in childhood and continuing into maturity. Let’s examine the most common food allergies in toddlers and the information you require.

Milk sensitivity

According to Food Allergy Research & Education, 25 of every 1,000 children under three in America have a milk allergy, making it the most prevalent food allergy among children (FARE). Typically, milk allergies are discovered within the first year of life. Most kids overcome milk allergies by the time they are five years old, and some kids outgrow it by the time they are eight years old. Some people won’t outgrow it till they are teenagers.

Casein and whey, two milk proteins, trigger an allergic reaction in kids with milk allergies. All milk-based foods must be avoided. A lack of normal lactose digestion, often known as lactose intolerance, is not the same as a milk allergy. It is what its name suggests—intolerance.

What you should understand about dairy products

The common food allergies in toddlers Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) mandates that the presence of milk be declared on food items in clear language, such as “contains milk.” To identify milk on the ingredients list, you must be aware of the code terms for milk, such as casein, whey protein, butter, curds, cream, or ghee.

You should also be aware of the unexpected places you can find milk, such as in non-dairy creamer, deli meats, hot dogs, canned tuna, nougat, and skin- and hair-care items. If you have a milk allergy, you must avoid any foods that include milk or milk products. Kids who are allergic to milk can use non-dairy milk substitutes.

Egg allergy

The second one of the most common food allergies in toddlers among the top eight allergens is egg allergy. 15 out of every 1,000 children, or 1.5% of all children, have egg allergies. Before they are two, children with egg allergies are often identified. By the age of five, up to 80% of kids will no longer be allergic to eggs. Most people overcome egg allergies by age 10, but a small percentage may take a little longer.

Egg allergy is uncommon in adults since it is usually overcome by adolescence. A person may be allergic to egg yolks, egg whites, or both. If there is an egg allergy, stay away from the whole egg because it is practically impossible to separate the two.

What you should know about foods containing egg

According to FALCPA, the egg must be declared on the food package in precise wording, such as “contains egg.” Always check the ingredients label to see whether an item contains eggs. Words like albumin, ovalbumin, eggnog, mayonnaise, and meringue indicate eggs.

Be mindful of hidden egg components, which can be found in pasta, pretzels, coffee beverages, and liquid egg alternatives. The egg may also be included in the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine and the flu shot. Some drugs, such as anesthetic drugs, may consist of eggs.

Allergy to soy

Around 0.4% of children have a soy allergy (4 out of every 1,000 kids). Most kids with a soy allergy outgrow it by age 10, and many by age three as well. Tolerance to soy is often low. But severe responses can happen, even if they are uncommon. Children with soy allergies may also have a milk allergy. If your child has a soy allergy, he must stay away from any foods and non-food items created with soy or containing soy.

Information you should know about soy foods

According to FALCPA, soy must be declared on food packaging in simple wording, such as “contains soy.” While eating soybeans is less widespread, processed goods frequently include soy. Always check the ingredients list because soy is an ingredient in many goods. Miso, Natto, Soya, Tempeh, and Soy Protein are all used as soy abbreviations.

Wheat intolerance

Four out of every 1,000 kids in the U.S., or 0.4%, have a wheat allergy. Ask your allergist if eating foods with barley, rye, or oats is OK because 20% of kids with wheat allergies also have allergies to other grains. By the age of three, many children will outgrow their wheat allergies. According to studies, 65% of children outgrow their wheat allergy by the age of 12.

What you should know about wheat-containing foods

Since wheat is the most common grain in the American diet and is one of the top 9 allergies, avoiding it might be challenging. Bread, cereals, crackers, as well as seemingly strange things like beer, soy sauce, deli meats, ice cream, and imitation crabmeat, all include wheat.

For clues that a product contains wheat, look for components like bulgur, couscous, emmer, farina, farro, flour, matzoh, semolina, and wheat protein isolate. Wheat may also be found in non-food products, including ice cream, glue, and Play-Doh.

Why celiacs avoid wheat in their diet

You are undoubtedly aware that if your child has celiac disease, he must avoid gluten. Wheat, rye, barley, and tainted oat products all contain gluten. As a result, many children with celiac disease stick to a gluten-free diet and stay away from other foods.

Peanut allergy

Around 1.6% of children have a peanut allergy (16 out of 1,000 children). Because anaphylaxis rates for peanut allergy are more significant than for milk, egg, or wheat allergies, it is regarded as a potentially fatal allergy. Only 20% of kids will completely outgrow their peanut allergy.

The legume family, which also includes soybeans, peas, lentils, and beans, has peanuts that are grown underground (rather than in trees like tree nuts). However, having a peanut allergy does not increase your chance of developing a bean or other legume sensitivity.

According to a 2003 Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology article, there are between 25 and 40 percent of patients with peanut sensitivity also have a tree nut allergy. If your child has a peanut allergy, complete avoidance is required.

Elimination of peanut allergy

In recent years, recommendations for preventing peanut allergy have altered. The introduction of peanuts and other common food allergies in toddlers at the proper age during the first year of life is advised by experts. It might be helpful to know how to introduce peanuts to your newborn.

This is based on the groundbreaking LEAP research, which showed that peanut allergy decreased when it was included in the diet between the ages of 6 months and one year.

What you should know about peanut containing foods

According to FALCPA, labeling peanuts in food goods must be in clear English on the box. Keep an eye out for substances like Mandelonas, nut meat, peanut flour, and Arachis oil (also known as peanut oil) (peanuts soaked in almond flavoring). Beware of goods like chili and pet food that thicken with peanut butter.

Conclusion

Consult your physician or an allergist if you think your kid may have a food allergy. The doctor can help you create a treatment plan and determine which food is the issue. To manage the symptoms, your kid may require medications like antihistamines.