Food intolerances

Adverse reactions to foods occur in a small proportion of the population. These reactions are not the same as allergies but may include:

• rashes and swelling of the skin, asthma, stuffy or runny nose, frequent colds and infections
• irritable bowel symptoms, colic, bloating, diarrhoea, vomiting, frequent mouth ulcers, reflux
• migraines, headaches, anxiety, depression, lethargy, impairment of memory and concentration, panic attacks, irritability, restlessness, inattention, and sleep disturbance.

If you think you or your child has a food intolerance seek advice from a medical practitioner. The labelling of food products helps people who are sensitive to some food additives to avoid them.

Diagnosing a sensitivity

If you think you may have a food additive sensitivity, it’s important to seek professional help, since all of the symptoms you may be experiencing can also be caused by other disorders.

It may help to keep a food diary and note carefully any adverse reactions. In the case of a sensitivity being identified, the usual practice is to eliminate all suspect foods from the diet and then reintroduce them one by one, to see which additive (or additives) causes the reaction. This should only be done under medical supervision, since some of the reactions - such as asthma - can be serious.