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The New Zealand Medical Journal

 Journal of the New Zealand Medical Association, 04-April-2008, Vol 121 No 1271

[full text] [PDF]

The changing epidemiology of food allergy—implications for New Zealand
Christine Crooks, Rohan Ameratunga, Greg Simmons, Penny Jorgensen, Clare Wall, Maia Brewerton, Jan Sinclair, Richard Steele, Shanthi Ameratunga

Abstract


Food allergy (FA) is recognised as an important public health problem in developed countries. Recent studies suggest a significant proportion of the general population has a definable FA. The methods used to study FA influence published estimates of incidence and prevalence. In particular, studies relying on self-assessment are likely to overestimate the condition compared to studies using a comprehensive approach including symptoms, allergy testing, rigorously conducted laboratory tests, and food challenges. Currently there are no reliable data on the prevalence of FA in New Zealand. This has had several adverse consequences including the lack of public hospital services for patients with severe allergies. In this article we summarise the epidemiological data on FA and discuss the implications for New Zealand.

     
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