Many people believe that allergies are unrelated to cardiovascular health. However, a recent study challenges this belief and suggests that food allergies may have a significant impact on heart disease risk.
The study, published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, questions the common assumption that sensitization without overt allergy is harmless. According to a press release, the research indicates that sensitivity to common food allergens, such as dairy and peanuts, could be a significant and previously unappreciated cause of heart disease. Surprisingly, the increased risk may equal or exceed the risks posed by smoking, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis. The study’s authors from UVA Health drew a connection between cow’s milk sensitization and heart disease, but other allergens also played a role. While the findings do not conclusively prove that food antibodies cause the increased risk, they build on prior studies linking allergic inflammation and heart disease.
It is estimated that about 15% of adults have allergies to cow’s milk, peanuts, and other foods, with some unaware of their allergies and antibodies due to the absence of symptoms. Dr. Jeffrey Wilson, the lead author of the study, explained, “What we looked at here was the presence of IgE antibodies to food that were detected in blood samples.”
The research team analyzed data from over 5,300 participants and found that 285 had died from cardiovascular causes. In addition to dairy and peanut allergens, shrimp sensitization was identified as a significant risk factor for cardiovascular death.
