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New research revealed that there were more and more cases of food allergies caused by eating junk food. Experts have found that in Western countries such as the UK, many patients have been victims of anaphylactic shock episodes caused by food reactions over the past decade.
Statistical data found in a study published by NHS Digital showed 1,362 cases from 2011 to 2012 and 1,922 more from 2016 to 2017 from patients undergoing episodes of anaphylactic shock due to food allergies in England. Scientists have also discovered that advanced glycation end products (AGEs) were primarily responsible for those conditions that are commonly found in highly processed foods and cooked meat.
The results of the study were presented at the annual meeting of the European Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition in Glasgow. Parents participating in the study submitted information about their children's diet for seven days. It was found that approximately 20-40% of children consumed more junk food a week than children without food allergies. They were suspected of consuming foods with high levels of AGE.
AGEs are formed when the body's sugar reacts with proteins or lipids. They easily reach high concentrations in the body when EFA-rich food products are eaten. According to senior researcher Roberto Berni Canani of the University of Naples, snacks such as hamburgers, fries and most commercial foods have a high AGE content.
Canani also pointed out that EFAs could interact directly with children's immune cells, especially those with food allergies, and have adverse effects on their gut. The study, however, has a small focus group and the results lack the veracity to prove that consuming more junk food causes food allergies.
According to a professor of pediatrics at Imperial College London, John Warner, children who ate more junk food were less likely to follow a Mediterranean diet consisting of fruits, vegetables and fresh fish. These foods, when eaten, reduce the risk of food allergies, according to The Guardian.
Dr. Andrew Clark, pediatric allergy consultant at Addenbrooke Hospital, suggested that more research is needed to confirm that junk food consumption could lead to food allergies. However, he agreed that children should avoid eating junk food for several health reasons.
Junk food sold in street stalls. Igor Ovsyannykov / Pixabay
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