Previous research has documented higher rates of food allergy among black children, but a clear understanding of this racial disparity has been difficult because self-identified race can be imprecise. A new study in the October 2011 issue of Pediatrics examined children's genetic profiles to determine whether food allergies were associated with genetic ancestry.
In the study, "Race, Ancestry, and Development of Food-Allergen Sensitization in Early Childhood," published online Sept. 5, study authors found self-reported black race and higher rates of African ancestry were both associated with the presence of antibodies to foods in general and also higher rates of antibodies to multiple foods. However, self-identified race was associated with higher levels of antibodies for milk and egg, but not for peanut.
Genetic African ancestry was associated with a higher risk of peanut allergy; with each 10 percent increase of African ancestry as estimated by a person's genetic code, there was a 25 percent increase in the likelihood of sensitization to peanut at levels which are typically associated with allergic reactions to peanut.
Study authors hypothesize one explanation may be that cultural factors, such as differences in diet and early feeding practices, may have more relevance than genetic factors for milk sensitization, while genetic factors may have more relevance for peanut sensitization. Follow-up monitoring of this cohort is needed to determine whether there is an association between African ancestry and clinical food allergies. Additional rigorous study of food allergy in minority populations is needed.
