Millions of Germans suffer from food allergy

Doubled: Six million people suffer from food allergy

06/21/2014

More and more people in Germany are suffering from a food allergy. According to estimates of the German Allergy and Asthma Association (DAAB), six million are said to be affected in this country. The numbers have therefore doubled in the last ten years.

Number of food allergic people has doubled
According to experts, the number of people with food allergies in Germany has doubled in the last ten years. Around six million are affected, according to estimates by the German Allergy and Asthma Association (DAAB). A large part of it make so-called cross-allergies. It often happens that people who suffer from a pollen allergy, eventually reacted to food allergic, said the ecotrophologist and DAAB advisor Marina Oppermann for today's food allergy day. In the past 20 years, the number has even tripled here. In most cases fresh fruits, vegetables and nuts cause allergic reactions in these cases.

Children have a good chance of getting rid of allergies
For children who are more likely to have allergies to staples such as nuts, eggs and cow's milk, there is hope to get rid of them. Oppermann explained that there is a good chance that the allergy will grow up to kindergarten or elementary school if, for affected children, care is taken for about two years to ensure that they do not consume such foods. According to the expert, people in adolescence or adulthood are more likely to have cross-allergies. For example, if a birch pollen allergy bites into an apple, it may feel a tingling sensation and slight swelling in the mouth. Often then more and more fresh fruits would be added. Some people may not tolerate native pome or stone fruit only during the pollen season, while others may experience the phenomenon throughout the year. When the apples are cooked, there are no problems.

Lactose intolerance is not a food allergy
Many people who suffer from lactose intolerance (milk sugar intolerance) mistakenly believe it is a food allergy. „In the case of allergy, the immune system is always involved“, declared Oppermann. You could do allergy tests and detect antibodies. This is not the case with food intolerances. Intolerance to lactose is due to an enzyme deficiency that may be innate or acquired. The milk sugar can not be digested. Some typical symptoms that can occur in those who have had dairy products are abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea or flatulence. In contrast to allergies, incompatibilities are also dependent on the amount. So it could be, for example, that someone can not tolerate a glass of milk, because he has too little enzyme, but coffee with milk. (Ad)