The Rise of Food Allergies

Food allergies have doubled in the UK since 2008, raising significant concern regarding their increasing prevalence. The podcast highlights alarming statistics, indicating that around 4% of preschool children and about 1% of adults are affected, with severe cases leading to hospital admissions for anaphylactic shock rising from approximately 5,200 in 2014 to over 7,400 in the past year. Those involved in allergy research are investigating the reasons behind this surge, noting that this increase is not solely due to better reporting or awareness, as the data clearly shows a genuine rise in allergies. The conversation emphasizes the need to understand both the genetic factors and the changes in environmental exposures contributing to this growing health issue.