Comparison of food allergy prevalence among Chinese infants in Chongqing, 2009 versus 1999.

BACKGROUND

Food allergy prevalence is increasing in developed countries, but these results have not yet been verified in developing countries, especially in China. Our aim was to determine whether the prevalence and characteristics of food allergy have changed over the last 10 years in Chongqing, China.

METHODS

Two cross-sectional studies were performed, 10 years apart (1999 and 2009) using the same diagnostic methods in the same age group (0-24 months) of the same clinic in Chongqing, China. A total of 401 infants were randomly selected for the present study. Food allergy was confirmed by food challenge. spss 15.0 was used to analyze the difference in prevalence.

RESULTS

Food allergy prevalence increased significantly from 3.5% in 1999 to 7.7% in 2009 (P= 0.017). The prevalence of a positive skin-prick-test response was also increased (from 9.9% to 18%; P= 0.002). Egg and cow's milk were still the most common food allergens, which cause skin and gastrointestinal symptoms in most infants.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study in China to indicate time trends in food allergy prevalence and characteristics. Our data show that in the 10-year period from 1999 to 2009, the prevalence of food allergy seems to have increased in China.