Unlocking the Science :
The Research that Powers the FoodClues™ Framework
Looking for the basis for our food allergy treatment program? Here you go!
Additional research in areas including immune performance, supplements, digestive and behavioral health can be found on our general research page,
Click a topic below
(List is continuously updated as new supporting evidence is discovered.)
The economic impact of childhood food allergy in the United States
Key points: The overall economic cost of food allergy was estimated at $4184 per year per child. This cost included clinician visits, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations; time taken off work for medical visits, out-of-pocket expenses, special foods, and work costs related to a caregiver needing to leave or change jobs. Caregivers reported a willingness to pay an estimated $3504 per year per child for food allergy treatment. (most food allergy websites reference this study)
The Economic Burden of Food Allergy: What We Know and What We Need to Learn
Epidemiology and Burden of Food Allergy
Key points: 59 new therapeutic agents approved by the FDA from 2015 to 2016, the median estimated direct cost of pivotal efficacy trials was $19 million, with half of the trial cost estimates ranging from $12 million to $33 million. At the extremes of the distribution were 100-fold cost differences, and patient enrollment varied from fewer than 15 patients to more than 8000 patients. A critical question in health care is the extent of scientific evidence that should be required to establish that a new therapeutic agent has benefits that outweigh its risks.
Key points: A significant number of adults in the US have food allergies. This study examines the prevalence, severity, and health care utilization related to food allergies among US adults. Based on a cross-sectional survey of over 40,000 adults, it was found that 10.8% of US adults (over 26 million) have convincing food allergies, though nearly 19% self-reported having a food allergy. The most common allergens were shellfish, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, and fin fish. Notably, 51% of food-allergic adults experienced severe reactions, 45% were allergic to multiple foods, and 48% developed food allergies as adults. The study highlights the need for proper testing and counseling to prevent unnecessary food avoidance and improve quality of life.
Key points: Children with high peanut allergies showed evidence of bacterial infection and poor levels of healthy bacteria in the gut which aids in digestion and the immune response in the intestine. These findings support inclusion of germ elimination and gut restoration as part of the process to reducing and eliminating allergies reactions, an alternative to simply avoiding trigger foods, as the absence of normal healthy gut bacteria opens the door for a lowered immune response and an increased chance for food reactions.
Key points: This study assessed the microbiome of children with milk, egg or peanut allergy (<3 years, 3-18 years) compared with similar aged children without food allergy. Groups were not significantly different in age, gender at birth, race, mode of delivery, breastfeeding duration, or antibiotic exposure. Dysbiosis associates with food allergy, most prominent in older children with peanut allergy. Younger children with and without food allergy have fewer differences in gut microbiota. These findings support gut restoration as part of the process to reducing and eliminating allergies reactions, an alternative to simply avoiding trigger foods.
Key points: This study revealed that when peanut OIT doesn't work, it may be related to issues with bile levels and difficulty with amino acid management which are key in peanut digestion. Peanuts are high in protein and fats, which requires bile and a working amino acid breakdown pathway in order to digest. Peanut allergy is likely associated with difficulty digesting peanuts, which is why solutions to resolving peanut allergies could involve a focus on liver and gallbladder health in the production and management of bile, in addition to optimizing acid metabolism pathways.
Key points: OIT that includes berberine and dong quai could improve peanut tolerance with more lasting results.
Effects of two natural medicine formulations on irritable bowel syndrome symptoms: a pilot study – J Altern Complement Med. 2010 (Hawrelak & Myers) [Link](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20954962/)
Safety and efficacy of a traditional herbal medicine (Throat Coat) in patients with acute pharyngitis: a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled study – J Altern Complement Med. 2003 (Brinckmann et al.) [Link](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12804085/)
Marsh Mallow (Althaea officinalis L.) and Its Potency in the Treatment of Cough – Complement Med Res. 2020 (Mahboubi) [Link](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31770755/)
Marshmallow root extract for the treatment of irritative cough: Two surveys on users’ effectiveness and tolerability – Complement Med Res. 2018 (Fink et al.) [Link](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30064132/)
Peppermint oil for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis – J Clin Gastroenterol. 2014 (Khanna et al.) [Link](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24100754/)
Effect of ginger in the treatment of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy: a meta-analysis – J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2020 (Pan et al.) [Link](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31937153/)
Efficacy of turmeric extracts and curcumin for alleviating the symptoms of joint arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis – J Med Food. 2016 (Daily et al.) [Link](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27533649/)
Effectiveness of Boswellia and Boswellia extract for osteoarthritis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis – BMC Complement Med Ther. 2020 (Yu et al.) [Link](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32680575/)
The effects of magnesium supplementation on subjective anxiety and stress – a systematic review – Nutrients. 2017 (Boyle et al.) [Link](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28445426/)
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract in stressed adults: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study – Medicine (Baltimore). 2019 (Lopresti et al.) [Link](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31517876/)
Valerian for sleep: a systematic review and meta-analysis – Am J Med. 2006 (Bent et al.) [Link](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17145239/)
Chamomile extract therapy for generalized anxiety disorder: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial – J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2009 (Amsterdam et al.) [Link](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19593179/)
Lavender oil (Silexan) capsules in generalized anxiety disorder – a randomized, double-blind comparison to placebo and paroxetine – Int J Neuropsychopharmacol. 2014 (Kasper et al.) [Link](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23695813/)
Clinical use of Hypericum perforatum (St John’s wort) in depression: A meta-analysis – J Affect Disord. 2017 (Ng et al.) [Link](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28064110/)
Effectiveness of probiotics in irritable bowel syndrome: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis – World J Gastroenterol. 2015 (Didari et al.) [Link](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4356930/)
Efficacy and safety of Aloe vera syrup for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease: a pilot randomized controlled trial – J Tradit Chin Med. 2015 (Panahi et al.) [Link](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26742306/)
Efficacy of berberine in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus – Metabolism. 2008 (Yin et al.) [Link](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2410097/)
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (fish oil) and the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: a meta-analysis – Arch Med Res. 2012 (Lee et al.) [Link](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22835600/)
Zinc lozenges and the common cold: a meta-analysis – JRSM Open. 2017 (Hemilä) [Link](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5418896/)
Randomised controlled trial of butterbur extract vs. cetirizine for treating seasonal allergic rhinitis – BMJ. 2002 (Schápowal) [Link](https://www.bmj.com/content/324/7330/144)
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Holistic nutrition is a holistic approach to health and wellness that focuses on the whole person, not just their diet. It takes into account all aspects of your life, including your physical and mental health, your environment, and your relationships. Holistic nutritionists believe that food is a powerful tool that can be used to heal the body, mind, and spirit.
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