Story perspectives

Study Links Early Factors to Rising Childhood Food Allergies

2/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

A review in JAMA Pediatrics finds about 5% of children develop food allergies by age six.
The study links early-life factors beyond genetics, including eczema, nasal allergies, and delayed introduction of allergenic foods, to a higher risk.
Researchers analyzed data from 190 studies encompassing 2.8 million participants.
Infant antibiotic use quadruples the risk of developing food allergies.
The researchers call for more diverse populations and rigorous testing to improve prevention.

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Story summary

A review in JAMA Pediatrics finds about 5% of children develop food allergies by age six.
The study links early-life factors beyond genetics, including eczema, nasal allergies, and delayed introduction of allergenic foods, to a higher risk.
Researchers analyzed data from 190 studies encompassing 2.8 million participants.
Infant antibiotic use quadruples the risk of developing food allergies.
The researchers call for more diverse populations and rigorous testing to improve prevention.