Prevalence and risk factors for food allergy in children: a review of epidemiological studies

Relevance. Food allergy (FA) is an actual problem in pediatric practice. In recent decades, there has been an increase in the prevalence and an increase in the number of severe cases of FA. Purpose: to analyze epidemiological cohort and cross-sectional studies aimed at studying the prevalence and risk factors for FA in children Materials and methods. A systematic review of epidemiological cohort and cross-sectional studies studying the developmental factors and prevalence of FA, published in the period January 1, 2000 - December 31, 2021, was carried out. Results. The review made it possible to generalize and systematize the accumulated worldwide scientific data on FA. An analysis of epidemiological studies has demonstrated a significant prevalence of FA and reflected the patterns of its natural course: the highest rates were noted among young children, and by school age, the prevalence of symptoms and confirmed FA is gradually decreasing. Based on epidemiological data, the main risk factors for FA are hereditary predisposition and environmental factors that modify the microbial environment. Conclusion. It is necessary to further study the genetic markers of FA and study the role of microbiotic factors in the implementation of hereditary predisposition to allergic diseases. Keywords: Food allergy, prevalence, risk factors, children