Food Allergy Cases in the UK Plateaued After Shift in Infant Feeding Guidelines

Strategic Insights -

As parents began introducing common allergenic foods to their young children, the rapid increase in food allergies in the UK has slowed down significantly, according to a new study from Imperial College London. Between 2008 and 2018, food allergy cases doubled, but this growth was largely confined to the period before 2014, after which the trend levelled off. The research suggests that a possible factor contributing to this plateau is the change in infant feeding guidelines, which no longer recommend delaying the introduction of potential allergens like peanuts.

Key Takeaways:

  • The estimated number of new cases of probable food allergy in the UK doubled from 76 cases per 100,000 people in 2008 to 160 cases per 100,000, with most of the increase occurring before 2014.
  • Since 2014, the incidence of new cases may have slowed owing to changes in infant feeding guidelines, which recommend introducing common allergenic foods earlier to build up tolerance.
  • The study found that the introduction of peanuts to children lowers the risk of developing an allergy by 71 per cent, and that early introduction of peanut and egg may help prevent the development of allergies.
  • The FSA had previously advised against introducing peanuts to children under three, which led to a rise in allergies; however, this advice was later revised in 2018.
  • Food allergy occurs when the immune system overreacts to certain foods, such as cows' milk, peanuts, eggs, or shellfish, and in severe cases can lead to anaphylaxis, which can cause cardiac arrest if not treated urgently.
  • The prevalence of food allergy in Britain rose from 0.4 per cent to 1.1 per cent in the 10 years between 2008 and 2018, with children under five being the most impacted.
  • Children within this age group were affected at a rate of 4 per cent suffering a food allergy compared to just 1 per cent of adults.

Statistics:

  • 76 cases per 100,000 people had food allergies in 2008 (Source: Imperial College London).
  • The number of new cases of probable food allergy in the UK doubled to 160 cases per 100,000 between 2008 and 2018 (Source: Imperial College London).
  • 71 per cent reduction in the risk of developing an allergy by introducing peanuts to children at an early age (Source: King's College London).
  • 0.4 per cent prevalence of food allergy in Britain in 2008 (Source: Imperial College London).
  • 1.1 per cent prevalence of food allergy in Britain in 2018 (Source: Imperial College London).
  • 4 per cent of children under five suffer a food allergy (Source: Imperial College London).
  • 1 per cent of adults suffer a food allergy (Source: Imperial College London).

Sources:

  • The Lancet Public Health (Imperial College London).
  • King's College London (May 2023).
  • The Food Standards Agency.
  • The UK Medical Research Council.
  • Allergy UK.