One in 20 adults in the UK have a food allergy, and almost a third have a food sensitivity, according to the first study of its kind.
According to a report by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), 2.4 million adults (6%) have a clinical food allergy, most commonly to tree nuts such as peanuts, hazelnuts, walnuts and almonds. It was something. Many people were also allergic to raw fruits such as apples. Milk and fish allergies were less common.
The FSA said research showed that with the rise of alternative diets, it was important to consider the emergence of plant-based allergies.
Approximately 30% of the thousands of people surveyed had food sensitivities, which means they experience unpleasant reactions after consuming certain foods. There are many different types of sensitivities, including allergies, intolerances, and celiac disease.
Previous statistics suggest that around 1% to 2% of adults in the UK have a food allergy. However, these numbers come from her FSA-funded study, where individuals self-reported without clinical assessment.
Previous studies conducted 30 years ago focused only on food intolerances and the results were not comparable for various reasons, including differences in the methodology used.
Professor Robin May, the FSA's chief scientific adviser, said the latest report helps to identify how food allergies have evolved from childhood to adulthood, and also helps identify how “food allergies have evolved from childhood to adulthood” “This is important in providing insight into the association with the persistence of allergies into adulthood.” ”.
The report found that childhood food allergies persist into early adulthood and increase thereafter. Approximately half of food allergies were found to develop after adulthood.
May said the study also showed “the emergence of plant-based allergies that affect many people well into adulthood.” This is important to consider as the food system moves towards plant-based diets and alternative proteins, he added.
The study found that foods such as peanuts were most likely to cause allergic reactions. Many people were allergic to raw fruits such as peaches and kiwifruit. These were associated with an allergy to birch pollen, also known as pollen food allergy syndrome or oral allergy syndrome. Allergies to foods such as milk, fish, shrimp, and mussels were less common.
Prime Minister Theresa May said: “The FSA continues to work to ensure that consumers have clear and accurate allergen labeling to support people in the UK living with food allergies.” This report will guide future efforts on allergens to ensure everyone can enjoy safe food. ”
In the first phase of the study, titled Patterns and Prevalence of Adult Food Allergy (PAFA), participants were asked to complete a questionnaire and report any type of reaction they had ever experienced after eating. Some people reported having been diagnosed with food sensitivities by a doctor in the past, but others reported never discussing their symptoms with a clinician or doctor.
This was investigated further through clinical assessment and it was estimated that approximately 6% of the UK adult population has a clinically confirmed food allergy.
This article was amended on May 16, 2024. An earlier version described almost a third of UK adults as having food 'insensitivity' rather than food sensitivities.