Surge in Cashew Allergies Linked to Anaphylaxis in Children

Recent findings indicate that cashew nuts have emerged as a significant allergen contributing to anaphylaxis among children. This alarming trend is documented in a study published in the journal Allergy, which analyzed data from the European Anaphylaxis Registry spanning from 2007 to April 2024.

The research, led by a team from Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, focused on cases of tree nut-induced anaphylaxis (TIA), identifying 1,389 instances among 5,945 recorded food-induced allergic reactions. This represents 23% of the total cases. A closer examination of 1,083 cases with confirmed allergens revealed that the main triggers for anaphylaxis in children were cashew nuts, hazelnuts, and walnuts, with cashews accounting for 334 cases.

Over the years, the incidence of cashew-induced anaphylaxis has notably risen, with reactions often occurring from surprisingly small quantities, sometimes less than a teaspoon. In contrast, adults were more frequently affected by hazelnuts, walnuts, and almonds, and their reactions typically required larger amounts.

The study also highlighted that co-factors, which can exacerbate allergic reactions, were present in 50% of adult cases and 17% of pediatric cases. Importantly, the severity of the reactions did not appear to depend on the age of the individuals involved. Alarmingly, only a small fraction of those affected were aware of their allergies prior to the incidents--23% of children and 21% of adults reported having prior knowledge of their condition.

Furthermore, the use of adrenaline, a critical treatment for anaphylaxis, was notably low among those affected; only 13% of children and 3% of adults used it in lay treatment situations. This figure improved to approximately 40% with professional medical intervention.

The researchers concluded that tree nuts are the leading cause of food-induced anaphylaxis in the European Anaphylaxis Registry, and the increasing incidence of cashew-induced reactions in children is particularly concerning. The study calls for heightened awareness and better management strategies for this growing health issue.