True or False: Food allergies have become more common in recent years.

The assertion that food allergies have become more common in recent years is supported by numerous studies and reports indicating a rising prevalence of food allergies across various populations. This increase is particularly notable in children, where rates of allergies to foods such as peanuts, tree nuts, and shellfish have shown significant growth over the past few decades.

Several factors may contribute to this trend, including changes in dietary habits, environmental exposures, and genetic susceptibility. Researchers are also exploring the "hygiene hypothesis," which suggests that reduced exposure to pathogens and microbes in early childhood may be linked to an increase in allergic diseases, including food allergies.

While it is true that some studies indicate a rise in food allergies specifically among children, the broader trend includes growing concerns about allergies in adults as well. Therefore, stating that food allergies have become more common in general accurately captures the trend observed in both children and adults, making it the correct choice.