The prevalence of food allergy: A meta-analysis
Journal of Allergy and Clinical ImmunologyPublished 13 July 2007
Roberto J. Rona, Thomas Keil, Colin Summers, Davíð Gíslason, Laurian Zuidmeer, Eva Södergren
Citations1,344
SJR quartileQ1
SJR score3.94
SNIP2.56
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TL;DR
There is a marked heterogeneity in the prevalence of food allergy that could be a result of differences in study design or methodology, or differences between populations, according to the method of assessment used.
Abstract
We recommend that measurements be made by using standardized methods, if possible food challenge. We need to be cautious in estimates of prevalence based only on self-reported food allergy.
Keywords
Medicine
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