What Are the Most Common Food Allergies?
You already know about food intolerances, a gastrointestinal response to food that leads to occasional symptoms like gas, bloating, diarrhea, belching or indigestion. A food allergy is different — it is less common and an immune system response. Potential food allergies should be diagnosed by a health care provider and taken seriously.
In the US, the nine most common allergens will always be listed on food labels.
The most common allergens are:
- eggs
- milk
- peanuts
- tree nuts (such as walnuts, coconuts and almonds)
- fish
- shellfish
- wheat
- soy
- sesame
A food allergy is not the same as a food intolerance. Food allergies are an immune response that leads to the release of antibodies into the bloodstream. Allergies can range from mild to severe, and some can be life-threatening. Some people may also have sensitivities to these foods, but they aren’t the same reaction as an allergy.