Pediatric ATI Practice Exam

Which of the following is considered the most common food allergy in children?

1. Wheat bread

2. Corn syrup

3. Eggs

4. Cow's milk

The correct answer is: Cow's milk

Cow's milk is recognized as the most common food allergy in children, particularly in infants and toddlers. This allergy arises because many children’s immune systems mistakenly identify proteins in cow's milk as harmful, leading to an allergic reaction. Such reactions can present as gastrointestinal issues, skin rashes, or respiratory problems. While eggs are also a significant allergen in children, with a notable percentage experiencing reactions, cow's milk retains a higher prevalence among food allergies diagnosed in pediatric populations. Wheat and corn syrup allergies, while they can occur, are less common in children compared to allergies to cow's milk and eggs. Understanding the prominence of cow's milk allergy is crucial for managing dietary restrictions and preventing allergic reactions in susceptible children.