Childhood Food Allergy Research Priorities Published
THE TOP 10 priorities for childhood food allergy research in the UK have been identified by patients, carers, health professionals, and researchers.
Top 10 Priorities
The research priorities are:
- Prevention
- Early diagnosis
- Treatment
- Cause
- Eating out
- Safety in care settings
- Impact
- Emergency treatment
- Awareness
- Treatment – diet
They will be used to shape future research in line with what matters most to children and young people and those who care for them.
The research priorities were identified through a James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership led by researchers at the Centre for Applied Excellence in Skin and Allergy Research (CAESAR) at the University of Bristol.
The research was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research and supported by Allergy UK, Anaphylaxis UK, Natasha’s Foundation, formerly known as The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, and Eczema Outreach Support.
Roxanne Parslow, Centre for Academic Primary Care, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK, said: “We are delighted to share the results of our priority setting partnership with the wider community today.
“There are many unanswered questions about prevention, diagnosis and treatment of childhood food allergies.
“With publication of the top 10 research priorities, researchers and funders now have a resource to understand the needs of children living with food allergy and how future research can be shaped to help meet those needs.”
Food Allergies in Children and Young People
Food allergies affect one in 13 children in the UK and can be life-threatening.
Growing up with a food allergy can affect a child’s physical, emotional, and social wellbeing, as well as that of their family.
Emily Mortimer, a young adult with a food allergy, said: “Living with a food allergy affects every aspect of life.
“Understanding where and how food allergy impacts on wider wellbeing means we can appropriately support where it is needed.
“Together this could reduce how impactful allergies are on quality of life and empower young people to take back control.”
Featured image: Towfiqu Barbhuiya on Adobe Stock
