Ageing and food allergies

March 18th, 2024

Our immune system is heavily impacted by age. It is forever evolving and being remodelled. Around 10% of older people develop allergies later in life which can result in severe reactions. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) have stated that food allergies are a growing concern in our senior population worldwide.

Ageing brings changes to the immune response in the digestive tract

As we age, there are many structural, functional and physiological changes with impaired interactions between immune responses including a change to the immune response of the digestive tract. Incidences of food allergy reactions are rising in older people and are regarded as a problem. Much research has been done on child food allergies but more is needed for adults.

Experts have been searching for a new approach to dealing with food allergies for children and adults and they’ve found one… it’s called Omalizumab.

Omalizumab

In February 2024 the FDA approved the drug Omalizumab, the first and only medicine for adults and children over one year – with one or more allergies. The approval has come 20 years after its first approval for other health issues.

Innovation and testing have allowed Omalizumab to finally be used as an effective safe way to deal with food allergy reactions that can affect people’s lives and those around them who need to adapt to the sufferer’s needs. Even a stranger sitting on an aeroplane opening a packet of peanuts can put someone with a food allergy in danger. If made known to them, airlines will make passengers aware if there is a person on a flight with an allergy and ask people to be considerate.

The life-changing drug Omalizumab is an injectable medication to reduce food allergy symptoms. Brand name Xolair, the drug targets and blocks IgE (Immunoglobulin E), a type of antibody – the driver of food allergies.

The non-emergency prescription drug can be given by a healthcare provider or as a home injection once every 2-4 weeks.

Omalizumab isn’t an allergy cure and allergy sufferers who use the drug are still advised to avoid allergens and triggers.

Experts in the field of food allergies have been encouraged by the approval of Omalizumab

Sung Poblete, CEO of FARE (Food Allergy Research and Education) explained, “As more and more people are affected by food allergies, the need for a new approach to help prevent serious and often life-threatening allergic reactions and emergencies is critical. As someone with food allergies, I know firsthand the significant impact they can have on people and their loved ones and I share in the community’s excitement for this approval.”

Kenneth Mendez, President and CEO of the AAFA (Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America) said, “The stress of living with food allergies can weigh heavily on people and their families. Given the growing prevalence of food allergies, this news offers hope to the many children and adults who may benefit from a new way to help manage their food allergies.”

For a more in-depth understanding of Omalizumab and the role it plays in food allergies, read here.

Food allergy symptoms and conditions

We develop a weaker defence system against infection and an increased risk of allergic reactions with age. It is common for elderly people to be iron deficient, a micronutrient which has an important immunoregulatory role. Iron, zinc and vitamin D deficiency can lead to the development of food allergies.

The most common food types for adult allergic reactions are dairy, wheat, fruits and vegetables, peanuts, shellfish, soy and tree nuts.

Food allergy symptoms can include:

Redness of the skin, rashes, itching or blisters
Pain, swelling, tingling, tightening
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Coughing, wheezing or hoarse voice
Abdominal pain, bloating, gas
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea
Dizziness, confusion, fatigue
Fainting or seizures

More than half of adults with food allergies have experienced at least one severe reaction. Some result in anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction where the immune system releases a flow of chemicals causing the body to go into shock.

Food allergy-related health conditions

The atopic march otherwise known as allergic march is the label given to the progression of allergic conditions, one progresses to another. For example, eczema and dermatitis could progress to asthma, allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and food allergies.

Oral allergy syndrome refers to food allergies triggered by food making contact with the mouth. For example, when eating an apple, apples contain birch pollen, a common irritant. Symptoms after contact include an itchy throat, swelling in the throat or a hoarse voice.

A food allergy can result in Eosinophilic esophagitis, most common in white males. When an allergic reaction occurs, the immune system makes more white blood cells called eosinophils. The throat narrows and deep rings or abscesses form.

Read more information about food allergy conditions here. Insert link: https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/nutritional/food-allergy/

Do you feel you have become sensitive or intolerant to certain food types?

We recommend using our Foodsafe Allergy Test Kit. It measures Ig antibody levels in a panel of 95 different foods from categories of dairy, meat, fish, shellfish, vegetables, grains, fruits, nuts and miscellaneous items.

Once you have found out what you are allergic to, you might want to talk to either a doctor, an allergist, a nutritionist or an immunologist. They would be able to do further in-depth testing if your allergic reactions are a problem.

Alternatively, you might want to create your own food allergy care plan, this could include:

Keeping a food diary

Note down what foods you have eaten in a day and if you have had a reaction to any of them

Reading food packaging

If you have food intolerances then you need to be aware of what you are eating by looking at the ingredients on food packaging

Telling family and friends

Make friends and family aware of your food allergies so they can accommodate you if you eat together. If you attend a function with catering, tell the appropriate person about your allergies before you go

Reading menus in restaurants and cafes

Eateries are getting better at asking customers if they have any food allergies when they place an order. Always read menus to check the ingredients and tell the servers if you have an allergy to something

Informing people

Make sure other people in your life are also aware of your allergies. For example, people in your workplace or when you stay at accommodation like a hotel where they will serve you food

Carrying information

You can purchase allergy wristbands or put information about your allergies in your bag, purse or wallet

Wiping down food preparation surfaces

When preparing food make sure you wipe down the area where other foods may have been prepared. Wearing gloves whilst you prepare your food is an option