Common Infant Food Allergies to Watch For

The following article about food allergies in children is for general information purposes only; for specific information about your child, it’s best to speak to your child’s healthcare professional.

Having heard horror stories about children reacting to foods such as nuts, shellfish and milk, many parents find themselves fearing food allergies. As a result, parents can be reluctant to encourage their children to try eating new things. But is holding off on different types of foods the right thing to do for your child?

You may be aware that some food allergies in Singapore are on the increase. While there’s no clear understanding of why this is so, some have suggested that delayed introduction to certain foods is playing a part. Others suggest skin exposure and methods of food processing are to blame. Whatever the reason, there’s no debating that food allergies are a serious issue.

What are food allergies?

A food allergy is an abnormal response to food that’s triggered by the body’s immune system. It occurs when a person’s immune system produces antibodies in reaction to a protein in foods that would normally be considered to be safe. Mast cells recognise, for example, a peanut as an allergen, and dump IgE antibodies into the tissues as a way to remove the allergen.

A reaction to food can result in an itchy or runny nose, a sore throat, itchy and watery eyes, a rash (hives), skin irritations, vomiting, diarrhea and swelling, which usually appear shortly after consuming the food. Food allergies are common in infants and children, with an estimated 6-8% of children having a food allergy. Many children grow out of these food allergies, though, as just 3% of adults suffer from food allergies.

Quick FAQ

My baby has developed a rash. What could this be?

Seek urgent medical attention to rule out the risk of allergies and refrain from using any food or milk products that may contain potential allergens such as nuts and milk.

What is the difference between allergy and intolerance?

An allergy can often present as a rash, swelling around the mouth and eyes, and difficulty breathing and should be treated as a medical emergency. An allergy may be caused by a number of factors including certain foods.

An intolerance is usually defined as a spectrum of conditions that range in severity and are generally associated with gut discomfort and unusual changes such as diarrhea, wind, constipation and abdominal cramping. This should be examined by a medical professional if your child experiences these symptoms.

What foods cause the most allergic reactions?

Many foods can be allergens, but certain types are more likely to trigger an allergic reaction. While the Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) have noted eight foods commonly responsible for 90% of food allergies, the most common food allergies in Singapore include:

Cow’s milk
Egg
Peanuts
Shellfish
Wheat/Gluten
Soy

Milk allergies

A milk allergy is a reaction to whey or casein, the proteins found in cow’s milk. It’s not the same as lactose intolerant, which is the inability to digest lactose. The bad news for children with milk allergies is that the chance of being allergic to other foods, such as eggs, soy and peanuts, rises. Most children with milk allergies also develop one or more other atopic diseases, such as asthma, allergic rhinitis or eczema.

Egg allergies

Egg allergies commonly occur in children, and most cases resolve themselves by the time a child reaches adolescence – only a small fraction of people remain allergic to eggs for their entire life. Egg allergies vary, in that one person may be allergic to the yolk, while another is allergic to the white. For others, it may be both parts of the egg they’re allergic to.

Peanut allergies

Peanut allergies are increasing in prevalence in Singapore and are the leading cause of anaphylaxis in Singaporean children. Children with peanut allergies rarely grow out of their sensitivity to peanuts, so a peanut allergy is more often than not for life. The thing that’s most scary about peanut allergies is that reactions tend to be quite strong, with some sufferers experiencing life-threatening anaphylaxis with accidental exposure. Anaphylaxis requires immediate medical attention, in the form of a shot of epinephrine (EpiPen).

Shellfish allergies

Shellfish allergies are another serious condition that can cause anaphylaxis, and similar to peanut allergies, shellfish allergies are usually lifelong. However, approximately 60% of people with shellfish allergies experience their first allergic reaction as adults, with prawn, crab and lobster being the most common culprits. Shellfish, alongside peanuts, is the most common cause of childhood allergies in Singapore.

Wheat allergies

Wheat can be found in many foods, including some you might not suspect – for example, deli meats, soy sauce, and ketchup. This can make managing a wheat allergy difficult. Wheat allergies are often confused with coeliac disease, but these conditions differ. A wheat allergy generates an allergy-causing antibody to wheat proteins, while coeliac disease causes an abnormal immune system reaction to gluten. Other reactions to gluten include bloating, tiredness and rashes.

Soy allergies

Approximately 0.4% of children are allergic to soy, and more often than not children grow out of their allergy by age three. Allergic reactions to soy are typically mild, however, severe cases have been reported.

Allergies from galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS)

Although not on the list of common allergies in Singapore, GOS is a prebiotic found in most milk formulas in Asia, Europe, and the U.S.A and is a recent phenomenon in Singapore. Typically presenting in older children and adults, an allergic reaction from GOS can be experienced even in those with no prior cow’s milk allergy. GOS – a carbohydrate to promote good gut bacteria – is deemed safe both in Singapore and abroad, yet for reasons unknown there are some people who present with allergies from this prebiotic.

When to be cautious

If a family has one child with a food allergy, their siblings are at a higher risk of having food allergies too. However, don’t presume that because you had an allergy as a child that your own children will. Food allergy screening is possible, but it’s important to note that children can develop allergies at any time and a negative test shouldn’t be relied on for life. In the case of a positive screening test, further studies may need to be carried out.

What to look for

If you suspect your child could be suffering from an allergy or intolerance to a particular food, it’s important to monitor them closely. In foods that commonly cause reactions, always pay special attention when trialling for the first time and introduce them in small doses.

Symptoms of food allergies will normally present themselves within 30 minutes of the food being consumed. For some children, symptoms can be severe (known as anaphylaxis), and can result in difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat or tongue, coughing, dizziness and/or unconsciousness. Deaths have occurred, although fatal reactions are extremely rare. Other symptoms include reflux, colic and diarrhoea.

Diagnosing food allergies

Sometimes, a child may present the symptoms of a food allergy but the cause isn’t quite clear. A reliable diagnosis is important in preventing a reaction, and in these cases a skin prick allergy test or blood test may be ordered by your GP. Sometimes, a health professional may suggest a temporary elimination diet or food challenges to identify the cause in a safe way.

Protecting the health of your baby

Sticking to organic food products without any additives can help reduce your child’s chances of an allergic reaction. Bellamy’s Organic food products are designed to be safe for newborns through to young children. At Bellamy’s Organic, we know that our children’s health is what’s most important, so that’s why we only make certified organic, and delicious food.