Food allergies in children Vs intolerances—things to consider

• Be aware of the main allergenic foods that leads to food allergy, for example: nuts, legumes (including broad beans and other pulses), eggs (resulting in egg allergy), gluten, soya, fish, and shellfish.
• Remember these foods can be introduced at six months when you start introducing solid foods to your little one. 
• Try to introduce allergenic foods one at a time and in small amounts so you can spot food allergy especially egg allergy in the early stages. 
• Once introduced and shown to be tolerated, try and include them in your child’s usual diet, as this can minimise the risk of a future food allergy.
• Don’t delay the introduction of peanuts and hen’s eggs until after 6-12 months, as evidence has shown this may increase the risk of an egg allergy or peanut allergy developing. 
• Signs of food allergy in children can occur straight after a food is eaten, or several hours later. 
• Be aware of the common allergy signs, for example: swollen lips or tongue, wheezing or difficulty breathing, itchy skin, throat, tongue, or eyes, rash/hives, coughing, diarrhoea, vomiting, and a runny or blocked nose. 
• A severe allergic reaction, or anaphylaxis, is serious so it’s worth knowing what to do next. 
• If you suspect your child is having an allergic reaction, try to stay calm and seek medical help as soon as you realise something is wrong. 
• If your child is showing signs of a severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis, call the emergency services immediately. 
• If your child has a food allergy, make sure you read food labels carefully and avoid any foods where the ingredients are unclear. 
• A food intolerance is not an immune system reaction. It usually means that the food cannot be easily digested. 
• Remember that signs of intolerances in small children can appear more slowly, making them harder to diagnose.
• Look out for signs, for example: upset tummy and bloating. 
• The best thing to do if you’re concerned that your child may have a food allergy or intolerance is to speak to your healthcare professional. 
• For more on child allergies and intolerances, read our article on common childhood allergies and how to help. 

Did you know? 

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*Refers to Partially Hydrolysed Protein
**per 100g of milk powder