PARENTAL PERCEPTION OF FOOD ALLERGY OR INTOLERANCE IN CHILDREN UNDER 4 YEARS OF AGE

The perceived prevalence of food allergy among parents of pre-school c hildren in Ireland is unknown. An interview-assisted questionnaire was used to interview the parents of 600 children, aged 0-4 years, about food allergy. Twelve and a half per cent of the children were perceive d by their parents to be food allergic. However, no instance of food a llergy in children aged under 6 months was reported. Hyperactivity was the most common symptom noted, with sweets, sugary drinks and food co lours being the most frequently implicated foods. Rash, the second mos t common symptom cited was largely associated with dairy products and eggs. Neither parental age, education, socio-economic groups or infant feeding practices affected perception of food allergy. Food allergy w as diagnosed primarily by the parents themselves using simple food avo idance.