The study shows that approximately 11 million people - roughly 1 in 25 Americans - are now believed to be affected by one or more food allergies, a condition triggered by the ingestion or contact with certain foods that may cause life-threatening reactions, or anaphylaxis.
In addition the study, carried out by The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) found that seafood allergies affect approximately 6.5 million people - more than double the three million people who suffer from peanut allergies.
Seafood, common in the US diet, includes fish - for example cod, salmon and tuna - and shellfish - shrimp, crab and lobster, squid, scallop, clams, mussels, and snails. The research showed that a shellfish allergy is reported by 1 in 50 persons and a fish allergy by 1in 250. The most commonly reported allergic reactions to shellfish were caused by shrimp, crab, and lobster. In the fish group, salmon, tuna, and halibut were the most common causes of reactions.
Nearly 15,000 people were surveyed in the telephone study conducted in 2002 by FAAN and Drs. Scott H. Sicherer and Hugh A. Sampson, from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine.
The study showed that a high number of recurrent and severe reactions were reported for seafood allergies. Multiple reactions were reported for fish by 53 per cent of respondents and 57 per cent for shellfish. In 55 per cent of fish reactions and 40 per cent of shellfish reactions, evaluation by a physician or care in an emergency room was sought. Treatment of severe symptoms and administration of epinephrine, the drug of choice for treating a severe allergic reaction, was reported in only 15 per cent of seafood-allergic patients.
Anne Munoz-Furlong, CEO and founder of www.foodallergy.org (FAAN) said:"Peanuts are the tip of the iceberg. We must also make people equally aware and diligent about the dangers of fish and shellfish, treenuts, milk, egg, wheat, and soy - the other major food allergy culprits."
Dr. Scott Sicherer, co-author on the study added:"The unexpectedly high rate of severe reactions to seafood, particularly by adults who apparently have multiple reactions, but do not seek medical care, sends an alarming message,"
"We as physicians may be missing an important chance to diagnose and intervene positively in the care of these adult patients with food allergy."
Munoz-Furlong believes the vast majority of sufferers are risking their life by ignoring the problem. In the majority of cases precautions can be administered in the event of an accidental ingestion of harmful food.
"Multiple reactions and severe symptoms are common for seafood allergies, yet people do not typically get the care they need," Munoz-Furlong added.
"Often, individuals with seafood allergies believe they can simply avoid the food. However, study after study shows that accidental ingestion is common. If you have a history of seafood reactions, it's vitally important to visit a doctor and, based on a thorough examination, get a prescription to carry epinephrine with you at all times."
The study comes after the news that peanut allergies in children have doubled over a five-year period raising fears this trend will continue to rise. Based on 2000 US Census data, FAAN estimates that nearly 600,000 children are now affected by peanut allergy - about 1 in every 125 children.
FAAN now estimates that allergies to peanuts are responsible for nearly 100 deaths and 15,000 visits to emergency rooms - about half the deaths and emergency room visits caused by all food allergies - each year.
Congress and food manufacturers in the US are coming under increasing pressure to adopt clearer ingredient statements, possibly along the lines of incoming EU rules.