A recent analysis by researchers from Imperial College London has revealed that the number of people with food allergies in the UK has more than doubled since 2008, particularly affecting young children. The study, published in Lancet Public Health, estimates that around 4% of preschool-aged children and 1% of adults currently have food allergies. The analysis showed that the overall prevalence of food allergies rose from 0.4% in 2008 to 1.1% in 2018.
Despite the increase in prevalence, the number of new cases appears to be leveling off, possibly due to changes in infant feeding guidelines that now recommend earlier introduction of allergenic foods. The study also highlighted that many individuals with a history of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) are not prescribed adrenaline autoinjectors, which are critical for emergency treatment. Only about 64% of children and 55% of adults at risk of severe reactions were prescribed these lifesaving devices.
The analysis utilized anonymized data from GP practices covering 13 million patients over a ten-year period, indicating that the majority of food allergy care occurs in primary care settings, with 97% of visits to GPs rather than hospitals. The researchers stressed the need for better training and support for primary care providers to manage food allergies effectively, especially since individuals in more deprived areas might lack access to essential medications.
In summary, while food allergy diagnoses have increased significantly in the UK, the ongoing challenge is ensuring adequate management and treatment access, particularly for vulnerable populations. The findings underscore the importance of further investigation and research into food allergies and their impact on health care.