What raises kids' risk of allergies -- and what you can do about it
Approximately 5% of kids develop a food allergy by age 6 and around 8% of kids of all ages have one. That's a 50% increase since the 1990s. Shellfish (about 8.4 million kids), milk and peanuts (about 6.2 million kids each) and tree nuts (about 3.9 million kids) are the most common triggers. Eggs, wheat and finfish are also possible triggers. About 40% of kids have multiple food allergies and the same number will experience a severe reaction.
What makes kids vulnerable to these allergies? A study in JAMA Pediatrics found that a combination of genetic, environmental, microbial (that's the gut biome) and social factors influence the development of food allergies. For example, kids who have eczema in their first year are three to four times more likely to develop a food allergy. Infants given antibiotics in their first month of life are at increased risk; those exposed in utero or later in infancy have a slightly increased risk. There are also genetic predispositions, especially if both parents have such allergies.
These risk factors don't mean your child will develop a food allergy, but it's smart to work with your pediatrician to determine if and when you should adopt prevention or control strategies, such as introducing certain foods and getting skin or blood tests.
If your child does have a food allergy, read food labels carefully, help them avoid triggers and carry a potentially life-saving EpiPen. For more on kids' health, read my book "YOU: Raising Your Child, the Owner's Manual from first breath to first grade."
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@4YOUngevity.com.
(c)2026 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2026 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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