In a recent review article published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition, The researchers summarized the current state of knowledge about the effects of food allergies (FA) in people who experience them on their economic, psychological and social quality of life (QoL).
Their findings have implications for raising awareness of issues related to FA, which can improve the quality of life of people living with these conditions.
Study: Food allergy issues among consumers: a comprehensive review. Image credit: Kaspars Grinvalds / Shutterstock
FA has widespread consequences
FA affects more than 10% of adults and about 8% of children, with some common allergens being milk, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, eggs, soy, wheat, sesame and fish. Atopic comorbidities such as allergic rhinitis, eosinophilic esophagitis, atopic dermatitis, and asthma are common in children who have food allergies.
Living with FA, which has no treatment, has widespread consequences, including psychosocial burdens related to emergency management, fear of repercussions, and potential bullying. Previous reactions and multiple allergies are associated with a higher impact on quality of life.
Daily management increases stress and leads to avoidance and sometimes social isolation. The impact covers school, social, family, financial and everyday activities such as eating out and shopping.
The Food Allergy Independent Measure (FAIM) is an index used by researchers to assess the perceived risk of accidental exposure to an allergen, with a higher score indicating a more significant impact on quality of life.
Consequences related to school and work
Schools are meant to be safe spaces for children as they develop socially and academically. Young children often have not learned to advocate for themselves when it comes to PA, which requires child care facilities to have the appropriate systems and resources in place to respond to PA emergencies.
However, childcare professionals are often underprepared to deal with allergy emergencies. Many report being unfamiliar with allergy-friendly food labels and Emergency Action Plans (EAPs), which set protocols for situations where a child experiences an allergic reaction.
The frequency of allergic reactions at school without effective management strategies contributes to higher potential rates of bullying and anxiety for affected children. Studies also suggest that teenagers and young adults with FA may exhibit more risk-taking behaviors because they lack support systems.
Young adults continue to face challenges in the transition to college. They deal with food safety and social interactions, which affect academic performance and mental health. Education and policy implementation are critical to promoting inclusive environments and ensuring the safety and well-being of students with SEN.
While there is limited research on managing FA in workplaces, firsthand accounts reveal challenges such as intimidation, stress, and discomfort despite the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which provides legal protections against discrimination for people with MS.
Adults with FA often experience stress and isolation due to concerns about cross-contamination, and not wanting to burden them. Advocacy and education, including initiatives to promote non-food events and raise awareness through the sharing of educational resources, can improve inclusion in the workplace.
Relationships and social interactions
FA can significantly affect relationships and social interactions, as food plays a central role in many cultures.
Families with allergic children may limit travel, social activities, and eating out to reduce their children’s exposure to allergens, which can put a strain on marriages while limiting children’s social interactions and participation in events.
Extroverted adults with FA face other challenges in situations, including stress and rudeness from others. Support systems are vital to managing and living with FA, which can otherwise become overwhelming.
Economic impacts and inequalities
People with FA rely on food labels to limit their exposure to allergens, but navigating labels, especially precautionary allergen labeling (PAL) poses challenges due to limited regulations.
While the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALFPA) requires packaged foods to be labeled with major allergens, PAL statements such as “may contain” lack consistency.
Studies show that more than half of shoppers who have to carefully check labels for changes find labeling practices annoying. Worryingly, approximately 27% of subjects in one study reported having an adverse reaction after consuming PAL-labeled foods, indicating the need for clear policies to ensure consistent safety of PALS and FA consumers.
The economic impact of food allergies is significant, totaling $24.8 billion, with direct medical costs of $4.8 billion and family costs of $20.5 billion. Hospitalization, special diets, missed work and job loss are everyday expenses. Socio-economic inequalities compound the burden, underscoring the need for accessible specialist care and support systems.
conclusions
Managing FA involves addressing the complexities that affect individuals and their support systems, with implications for all aspects of life and beyond simple allergen avoidance.
People living with FA face skepticism about the seriousness of their condition and struggle to ensure their safety. This is especially true for children who cannot advocate for themselves.
Awareness of the quality-of-life impact of FA is crucial to promoting inclusive and supportive communities and reducing the burden on people with FA.
