New data by Allergy UK, the leading patient charity for people living with allergic disease, found that over half (53%) of people living with allergies in the UK regularly avoid social situations due to their allergy.
The research also found that 52% of people feel they have to play down their allergies due to fear of being judged and 40% of parents reported their child had experienced bullying due to having an allergy.
There are 14 major food allergens which need to be mentioned (either on a label or through provided information such as menus) when they are used as ingredients in a food product or meal. However you can be allergic to any food substance.
The top 14 food allergens include: celery; cereals containing gluten; crustaceans; eggs; fish; lupin; milk; molluscs; mustard; tree nuts; peanuts; sesame seeds; soya and sulphur dioxide (sometimes known as sulphites).
Elite disability gymnast and winner of 22 British titles, Natasha Coates, 26, is working with Allergy UK to help raise awareness of the hidden psychological impact allergies have on sufferers.
Coates, who lives with multiple allergies, said: “It’s hard to understate the sense of fear and isolation you can feel when living with a serious or life threatening allergy. The misunderstanding and perceptions of allergies can make everything from going out to dinner, to spending time with friends or even shopping deeply stressful and can often lead to feeling isolated and alone.”