New Study Identifies Over 300 Risk Factors for Food Allergy and Finds No Link to Vaccines
AAFA researchers contribute to study expanding understanding of food allergies
Washington, DC, Feb. 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A new study published today in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Pediatrics examines risk factors for developing food allergy. Researchers from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), along with experts from other advocacy groups, participated in the study as stakeholders. The Joint Taskforce on Allergy Practice Parameters (JTFPP) conducted the study. The JTFPP is comprised of members from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology and the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. As part of these and other practice parameters, the JTFPP seeks representatives from patient advocacy groups, including AAFA - the parent organization for Kids with Food Allergies -as well as other stakeholder groups.
The meta-analysis, led by allergist Dr. Derek Chu and team from McMaster University and the Evidence in Allergy research group, examined 190 studies involving 2.8 million people to evaluate factors that are associated with food allergy. The identified factors were categorized by certainty of evidence.
“The study confirms that the risk of a child developing food allergy is relatively low - less than 5 out of 100 babies will develop food allergy,” said Matthew Greenhawt, MD, AAFA’s Chief Medical Officer, a study co-author and the implementation chair for the food allergy practice parameter update. “The study identified 342 risk factors, but the results tell us that there is no single cause or risk for food allergy. Among the risk factors associated with high certainty of developing food allergy are having eczema, seasonal allergies, or wheezing early in life; delaying peanut introduction into diet; and having a mother or sibling with a food allergy. Vaccines are not associated with food allergy risk.”
Other notable risk factors that increase the odds, but have lower certainty, include:
• Having eczema later in childhood
• Having more severe eczema
• Skin water loss (causes dry, flaky, irritated skin)
• Delayed food introduction besides peanut
• Moms getting antibiotics in pregnancy
• Babies getting antibiotics in first year of life
• Dad or both parents having food allergy
• Parents moving to another country before childbirth
• Child raised in different country than where they were born
• Child born by C-section
• Black race
Some of these risk factors are within parental control, while most are beyond parental control. For example, introducing foods such as peanuts and eggs into diets early may help reduce risk. But other risk factors are hard to avoid or impossible to change.
Researchers note that some risk factors are both relatively low and carry additional health benefits – such as the administration of necessary antibiotics to an expecting mother, or to an infant in the first year of life.
“We encourage parents to focus on the factors they can control, like early food introduction,” said Melanie Carver, AAFA’s chief mission officer and a co-author on the study. “But understand that even when you take steps to reduce risk, factors beyond your control may still result in food allergy. You should also know that even if you or your child has risk factors, there is a very high chance your child will not develop a food allergy.”
Resources:
Layperson summary of findings (PDF): Understanding Food Allergy Risk Factors
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About AAFA
Founded in 1953, AAFA is the oldest and largest non-profit patient organization dedicated to saving lives and reducing the burden of disease for people with asthma, allergies, and related conditions through research, education, advocacy, and support. AAFA offers extensive support for individuals and families affected by asthma and allergic diseases, such as food allergies and atopic dermatitis (eczema). Through its online patient support communities, network of regional chapters, and collaborations with community-based groups, AAFA empowers patients and their families by providing practical, evidence-based information and community programs and services. AAFA is the only asthma and allergy patient advocacy group that is certified to meet the standards of excellence set by the National Health Council. For more information, visit: aafa.org and kidswithfoodallergies.org
Attachments
Andy Spears Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America 2029741223 media@aafa.org
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