Black male children prone to food allergy

Black male children may have a greater risk of having a food allergy, a U.S. food sensitivity study of more than 8,000 found.

The national survey included 8,203 people, who tested positive for the allergen antibody linked to possible issues with eggs, milk, peanuts and shrimp. The sensitivity levels to these potential food allergens was then tested in all participants.

The researchers estimated that 2.55 percent of the general population has food allergies — most often to shrimp and peanuts — but the odds were much greater among blacks, males and children.

The study found males and children had nearly twice the risk for food allergy as others, blacks had triple the risk, and black children were four times more likely to have food allergies.

The study is being presented at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology’s annual meeting in Washington.