Food allergy in infants assessed in two German birth cohorts 10years after the EuroPrevall Study.

Abstract

The prevalence of food allergies (FA) in children increased rapidly at the turn of the century. The EuroPrevall study identified Germany as a country with very high prevalence of FA at that time. Using two large German birth cohorts, we provide an update of the status quo 10years later. KUNO Kids and Ulm SPATZ Health studies are two ongoing prospective birth cohorts. Information on FA was obtained by questionnaires at birth and after 6, 12, and 24months. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate risk factors during pregnancy, birth, and early childhood. In 1139 and 1006 children from KUNO Kids and SPATZ, the point prevalence of parent-reported FA symptoms at the ages of 1 and 2years was 13.2% (95% CI: 11.2-15.2) and 13.9% (95% CI: 11.5-17.2) in KUNO Kids. Doctor's diagnosed FA at 1 and 2years was 2.4% (95% CI: 1.6-3.4) and 2.7% (95% CI: 1.2-4.3) in KUNO Kids and 2.3% (95% CI: 1.3-3.6) and 3% (95% CI: 2.0-4.5) in SPATZ. Cow's milk and citrus fruits were most frequently suspected by parents to cause FA symptoms. Atopy in the child was associated with a higher frequency of FA at any time, whereas atopy in first-degree relatives was only associated with FA at year 1. Smoke exposure during pregnancy was a risk for FA at age 2. The prevalence of food allergy seems to have plateaued in the last 10years in Germany. FA is often suspected by parents but only rarely diagnosed by oral food challenge. Risk factor analysis may help to establish personalized health approaches.