A research study on food allergies in Hong Kong children revealed that one in every 20 suffers from a food allergy, with shrimp being the main culprit. A pediatrics professor said that the clean environment in many homes is a possible cause. In an overly hygienic environment, the body's immune system cannot differentiate between bacteria and food enzymes.
Thus when antibodies attack food enzymes, it leads to food allergies. Since the enzymes that make up shellfish are similar to bacteria, a larger number of individuals react badly. But according to doctors, this doesn't mean that parents should cut out a particular food from a child's diet just because he or she appears to be allergic. Many times, children may claim to have food allergies but not be truly allergic. That's why parents should check with a pediatrician first before completely removing the food item if the reaction is mild.