“THE PREVALENCE OF FOOD ALLERGIES TO FRUITS AND VEGETABLES IN THE CHILDREN OF TIRANA”

Abstract

-Food allergies to fruits and vegetables are common in pediatric age globally and in the Balkan
region. However, the specific prevalence and distribution of allergies varies from one region to another and
from one study to another.
The purpose of this study is to identify the most frequent allergens of the class of fruits and vegetables in
0-12 years old in the city of Tirana
Material and method; This is a random retrospective study. The study population consists of 93 children
presented at the Geniuslab laboratory, 46 females and 47 males of pediatric age 0-12 years. Each patient
has performed the food-specific IgE test with several allergens
Results:
• Females make up 49.5% of patients and males 50.5%. The distribution is equal between the two sexes.
• In all analyzed age groups, Pea is the vegetable with the largest number of positive IgE cases, with 13
cases in total (13.9%)
• In all age groups, bananas are the most common fruit for IgE-positive cases, holding this position in the
age groups 0-3 years, 3-6 years, and 6-12 years, with an increase in cases in the older age group .
The laboratory data processed with the SPSS version 21 program have verified:
• for vegetables; Avocado, Celery, Garlic, and Onion have strong and significant statistical relationships
between them, while the age factor does not show obvious correlations.
• For fruits, it turns out that there is a weak negative relationship between age and positive IgE from bananas.
Conclusion; Analyzes have revealed strong associations between certain vegetables and a weak negative
association between age and banana allergies. The results emphasize the need for careful monitoring of
allergies and the inclusion of different factors in their management.