The "Big Eight" allergens account for most food allergies. In the United States, eight major food allergens are responsible for the majority of allergic reactions: milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans. These allergens are required by law to be labeled on food packaging.
Food allergies and intolerances are different. Food allergies involve the immune system and can cause a wide range of symptoms, including hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, and gastrointestinal issues. Food intolerances, on the other hand, typically involve the digestive system and result in symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, or stomach pain.
Food allergies are not always lifelong. While some food allergies persist throughout life, others may be outgrown. The likelihood of outgrowing a food allergy depends on factors such as the allergen, the individual's age, and the severity of the allergy.
