Study reveals regional differences in allergies

Shrimp, mangos and shellfish top three common food allergens in Jiangxi

Scenes of a comic character swelling up after eating peanuts in Western TV shows have long been puzzling for many Chinese viewers, as few people in China encounter those who experience severe peanut allergy.

Their confusion can be explained by Chinese researchers who concluded in a new study that Chinese adults and children are more likely to be allergic to seafood, and less likely to be allergic to peanuts compared to people in the United States and Europe.

According to the study, shrimp, mangos and shellfish are the top three common food allergens in China's Jiangxi province, followed by eggs, fish, beef, milk and mutton.