More Awareness of Allergies is Needed in South Asian Communities

As South Asian Heritage Month shines a light on the cultural contributions of South Asian communities to modern Britain, health experts Dr. Tom Dawson, Paediatric Consultant, and Joanne Scott, Paediatric Dietitian, from Edgbaston clinic Midland Health, are calling for increased awareness of the rising incidence of food allergies within this population.

Recent studies indicate a troubling increase in food allergies among second and third-generation South Asians in the UK, a trend not mirrored in their countries of origin. Dr. Dawson explains, “American and Canadian research highlights that tree nuts, such as walnuts, almonds, and cashews, are the most common allergens, affecting over half of the South Asian allergy clinic population studied, with peanuts following closely at 35%.”

Interestingly, these studies also highlight that less than 5% of those affected have a family history of food allergies, suggesting that environmental factors, dietary changes, and lifestyle adaptations may be contributing to this surge. Furthermore, it is estimated that up to 85% of South Asian children with food allergies are reportedly affected by multiple allergens. This complicates their condition management and often coincides with other allergic diseases, such as eczema and asthma, further impacting their quality of life (Jones et al., 2022).

Joanne emphasises the need for culturally appropriate dietary advice. “Current dietary guidelines, such as food ladders used for reintroducing allergens, are often designed with Western diets in mind. This poses challenges for South Asian families who require guidance that aligns with their traditional diets. For example, while a South Asian milk ladder has been developed to help reintroduce dairy (Hosaagrahara Ramakrishna et al., 2023), similar resources are lacking for other common allergens like egg, soya, and wheat.”

Given that approximately 1 in 20 people in the UK are of South Asian heritage, and with reports suggesting higher prevalence and complexity of allergies in this group, it is crucial to address these health inequalities (Peckover et al., 2021) Language barriers, limited access to healthcare, and potential misinformation further exacerbate these challenges.

Midland Health is advocating for improved resources, better labelling of allergens in imported foods, and more culturally sensitive healthcare solutions to ensure that South Asian families receive the support they need.

For more information, visit https://midlandhealth.co.uk.