Food Allergies in Adults: Factors That May Encourage Their Development

Over recent decades, food allergies have attracted growing attention among both children and adults. In some situations, foods that were previously eaten routinely without any issues can unexpectedly begin to trigger allergic reactions.

Although genetic predisposition plays an important part, shifts in lifestyle and environmental conditions may also contribute to this situation. “Even people with no family history can develop allergies when they are exposed to certain environmental stimuli throughout their lives, such as air pollution, climate change, exposure to pesticides, as well as excessive consumption of food preservatives and colourings,” explains Michele de Freitas, coordinator of the Nutrition course at Faculdade Anhanguera.

According to the specialist, these factors may disrupt the balance of the immune system and the health of the gut microbiota, the group of microorganisms that plays an important role in protecting the body and regulating immune responses. Changes to this balance may therefore make the body more sensitive to certain substances and encourage the onset of allergies.

Below, the nutritionist explains in more detail how various factors can contribute to the development of food allergies in adults.

1. Changes in the gut microbiota

Alterations to the makeup of gut bacteria can affect how the immune system functions and how well certain foods are tolerated.

2. Dietary changes

A higher intake of ultra-processed foods, together with less variety in the diet, may harm gut and immune health.

3. Genetic predisposition

People with a family history of allergies, asthma, rhinitis or atopic dermatitis may be more predisposed to food allergy.

4. Changes in the immune system

A food allergy develops when the immune system wrongly identifies a protein in food as a threat and triggers a reaction. Foods often linked to allergies include milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts and other nuts.

Food allergy and food intolerance are not the same

Michele de Freitas stresses the importance of distinguishing a food allergy from food intolerance. Allergies involve an immune-system response and can cause potentially serious reactions, whereas intolerances, such as lactose intolerance, generally result from difficulty digesting particular components.

By Deiwerson Damasceno dos Santos