Self-reported prevalence of clinical features of allergy to nuts and seeds, and seafood in university students.

Background: In developing countries, there is a lack of epidemiological information related to food hypersensitivity, including nuts and seafood.

Objective: The aim was to determine the prevalence of allergic reactions and clinical manifestations associated with the consumption of nuts and seeds or seafood in university students.

Methods: We designed an observational cross-sectional study. A structured questionnaire was applied to Mexican university students to identify allergic reactions associated with the consumption of nuts and seeds, and seafood.

Results: A sample of 1,200 students was included; mean age of 19.7 ± 1.7 years. Prevalence of symptoms associated with the consumption of nuts and seeds, and seafood were 2.8% (33 of 1,200) and 3.5% (42 of 1,200) respectively. The main clinical manifestations were abdominal pain (63.6% in nuts and seeds), flushing (50% in seafood), and pharyngeal oppression (19% in seafood). Prevalence of perceived, probable and systemic allergy to nuts and seeds was 2.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.5%-3.0%), 0.8% (95% CI, 0.3%-1.3%) and 0.2% (95% CI, 0%-0.4%) respectively. On the other hand, the prevalence (perceived, probable, and systemic) associated with seafood consumption was 3.5% (95% CI, 2.5%-4.5%), 1.8% (95% CI, 1.0%-2.5%), and 0.5% (95% CI, 0.1%-0.9%). Walnut and shrimp were the most frequently reported foods.

Conclusion: For every 100 Mexican university students, approximately 3 or 4 perceived to have allergy attributed to the consumption of some nuts and seeds or seafood, while 1 or 2 students would have a probable reaction to this same type of food. Walnut and shrimp would be causing the higher quantity of food allergic reactions.