Eli5: Why are nut allergies and gluten intolerance so prevalent and serious in certain populations (like in much of the US), and negligible to the point of being even considered a myth in other parts of the world?

Question

Eli5: Why are nut allergies and gluten intolerance so prevalent and serious in certain populations (like in much of the US), and negligible to the point of being even considered a myth in other parts of the world?

In: Biology

Answer 1

Lack of exposure.

For instance, for decades parents in mostly English speaking countries were told to not give their children nuts because they’ll choke to death and die.

Studies since have shown that children of parents who ignored that “advice” rarely have nut allergies whereas the children of parents who followed it have a much greater incidence of nut allergies.

As for gluten intolerances………….. most of that is a fad. People read mummy blogs on the internet and follow whatever dumb advice they give.