Final answer:
The eight most common food allergens include nuts, shellfish, grains with gluten, milk, eggs, soy, fish, and tree nuts. These can trigger reactions from mild to severe, with anaphylaxis being the most serious, necessitating emergency medical treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
When it comes to food allergies, certain foods are known to be common culprits. These allergens can cause a variety of symptoms, ranging from mild reactions like hives and itching to severe symptoms such as anaphylaxis, which requires immediate emergency medical treatment. The most well-known allergens responsible for these reactions include:
- Nuts (especially peanuts)
- Shellfish
- Grains containing gluten (like wheat)
- Milk
- Eggs
- Soy
- Fish
- Tree nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, and cashews)
Understanding which foods potential allergens are is crucial for those with food allergies, whether self-managing their condition or discussing dietary restrictions and preventive measures with health professionals.