The Allergy Free Shop exists to provide parents and caretakers with allergen-free foods and products for those with food allergies and sensitivities. We also strive to provide resources that help to provide guidance to those just beginning their education about specific food allergies affecting their children. This series focuses on the "Big Eight" - the eight most prevalent food allergies found in the U.S. Most are very common in other parts of the world as well. They are Peanut Allergy, Egg Allergy, Dairy Allergy, Tree Nut Allergy, Seafood Allergy, Shellfish Allergy, Soy Allergy and Wheat Allergy.

One of the most potentially dangerous allergies in both children and adults is peanut allergy. In very serious cases the reaction to peanut proteins in allergic individuals can progress to anaphylaxis - a severe, whole-body allergic reaction which requires immediate medical attention and response.

Those with peanut allergy are hypersensitive to the proteins found in whole peanuts, peanut particles and peanut-based oils. This causes an overreaction of the body's immune system, which in a small percentage of people may lead to severe allergic response and potentially life-threatening physical symptoms. It should be noted that peanut allergy is distinct from allergies related to tree nuts, but the majority of those allergic to peanuts are also allergic to other nuts, like walnuts, cashews or brazilnuts.

The Body's Reaction To Peanuts

After initial exposure, the body reacts to the peanut proteins by generating IgE antibodies, which then will attach to most of the mast cells with the next exposure to peanuts. The IgE signal then tells the cells to flood the body with histamines and other mediator chemicals, which causes the allergic reaction. Reactions to peanuts or peanut proteins can happen within a few minutes, or hours after exposure. Initial symptoms often include wheezing, a tingling or itchy sensation on the lips, tongue or in the throat, sneezing, feelings of light headedness and or warmth and flush skin. Vomiting, diarrhea, hives, angioedema (swelling of the lips, face, throat and skin) and asthma attacks can all occur.

Without acute medical treatment, symptoms can quickly progress to bronchospasm, or obstruction of the lower and/or upper airway, and hypotension, a sudden drop in blood pressure. This may lead to full anaphylactic shock, with potential heart failure and even death.

Causes And Prevalence

The exact cause of the development of peanut allergy is unknown, but similar to many other food allergies, it is believed to have a strong genetic component, and is more likely to develop in children who have 1st-degree relatives with atopic disease (other allergies). Other factors, such as race, also play a role; Native Americans in particular seem less prone to develop peanut allergy.

It is not believed that exposure to peanuts during pregnancy or during breast-feeding is a cause of peanut allergies, though some studies have found that delaying the introduction of peanut products with children can potentially increase the risks of developing a peanut allergy.*

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation estimates that peanut allergy is the most common cause of food-related death. However, deaths from peanut allergy reactions are still relatively rare; about 100 people per year die from peanut allergies. It should be noted that asthmatics that also have peanut allergy are more likely to develop life-threatening reactions.

Prevalence among children and adults is roughly the same, about 1%. But as with many other food allergies, peanut allergy seems to be on the rise in children in the United States. The number of young children affected with peanut allergy doubled between 1997 and 2002, although about 25% of children with a peanut allergy will eventually outgrow it.**

Treatment Of Peanut Allergy

There have been recent studies that have attempted to de-sensitize children to peanut allergens by exposure to minute, but escalating doses of peanut protein, and has met with some success. But it should be noted that currently there is no confirmed treatment to cure, or prevent, allergic reactions in those with the allergy that are exposed to peanuts.

An exclusion diet, with strict avoidance of peanuts and peanut protein containing products, is the only sure way to avoid allergic reactions. This can be difficult, since some products that you might not expect to contain peanut proteins - such as chocolate and other candies, ice cream, crackers, chili and spaghetti sauce - may in fact contain them. The ubiquity of peanut containing foods in our diet makes avoidance difficult. This makes accidental ingestions and reactions fairly common. For this reason, it is highly recommended that both children and adults with peanut allergy carry epinephrine injectors in case of anaphylaxis.

Allergy Free Shop offers a wide variety of foods that are Peanut Free. Some of our best sellers are Vermont Nut Free Milk Chocolate Skippers, Orgran Outback Animals, and the Enjoy Life Boom Choco Boom Rice Milk Chocolate Bar. You can view our entire stock of over 600 Peanut Free foods and beverages here.

Our goal is to provide you with a wide variety of allergy-free products for you and your children, a place where you can find EVERYTHING that you need in one place. And with ongoing vigilance, and armed with an understanding of your child's or loved one's food allergy, you CAN avoid exposure and reactions to these specific food allergens!

* Food allergy advice may be peanuts, Science News magazine, Dec 6 2008

** Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust and UCL Institute of Child Health, Peanut Allergy - Family Factsheet

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