Article: Rise in peanut allergies leaves scientists puzzled.(Life - Health)

Byline: SAMEH FAHMY The Tennessean

The number of people with food allergies - and peanut allergies in particular - is on the rise, but researchers aren't sure why.

The leading theory is the hygiene hypothesis, which holds that with the advent of better sanitation, the body doesn't learn to tell the difference between real threats such as viruses and bacteria and everyday substances such as peanuts and pollen.

Those who support the theory say children in developed nations have a higher risk of allergies, and children who are enrolled in day care or have older siblings or pets have a lower risk of allergies.

Another theory is that the use ...

Related newspaper, magazine, and journal articles:

 
 
Newsweek Harper's Magazine The Washington Post Chicago Tribune Crain's Chicago Business PRNewswire Pediatric News The Nation Advertising Age The Economist (US) A FREE trial gives you access to over 80 million articles! Access over 6,500 publications with a FREE trial!