New Study Examines Rising Food Allergy Cases Among Singapore Children

July 1, 2025
New Study Examines Rising Food Allergy Cases Among Singapore Children

A comprehensive four-year study has been launched to investigate the increasing prevalence of food allergies among children in Singapore. Conducted by the National University Hospital (NUH) and the KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH), this initiative aims to assess not only the frequency of allergies but also their impact on children's nutrition, growth, metabolic health, and psychological well-being. The study responds to alarming trends, with KKH reporting a threefold increase in positive allergy tests for common allergens such as milk, eggs, peanuts, and shellfish between 2012 and 2022.

Dr. Chong Kok Wee, head of the allergy service at KKH’s pediatric medicine department and co-investigator of the study, noted that emergency visits for food-related anaphylaxis among children surged by 150% from 2015 to 2022. Anaphylaxis, which can cause severe respiratory distress and potentially fatal drops in blood pressure, is a serious concern for affected children. Symptoms of food allergies can range from skin irritations and gastrointestinal issues to life-threatening reactions.

Traditionally, food allergies have been considered rare in Asian populations; however, Associate Professor Elizabeth Tham, the study’s principal investigator and head of the pediatric allergy division at NUH, indicated that clinical observations contradict this belief. "We are witnessing a rising number of food allergy patients in our clinical settings," said Prof. Tham, emphasizing the need for updated data and awareness.

The study's methodology includes a two-phase approach, beginning with a survey of at least 2,000 parents and caregivers of children aged one to two attending routine medical visits at NUP polyclinics. Participants will complete questionnaires regarding potential allergic reactions, and those indicating allergies will be referred for further evaluation at NUH or KKH. By mid-June, 549 participants had been recruited, with 79 reporting allergies. The second phase, commencing in July, will involve approximately 400 children diagnosed with allergies to key food items for a minimum of six months, incorporating additional assessments and biological sample collections.

The findings of this study are anticipated to provide insights into the social and economic burdens of food allergies in Singapore, a topic that has seen limited exploration in local research. For context, a study conducted in the United States revealed that the economic impact of food allergies on families amounted to US$24.8 billion in 2013, highlighting the significant financial strain that such conditions can impose on households.

The research team will collaborate with various institutions, including the National University of Singapore’s Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, to expand the scope of the study. Prof. Tham expressed hopes that the results will lead to enhanced support systems for families affected by food allergies.

In addition to clinical implications, the study aims to foster greater public awareness regarding food allergies. Izlin Ismail, director of the Singapore Parents of Eczema and Allergy Kids (Speak) and mother of a child with multiple food allergies, underscored the necessity for societal understanding and accommodation. "Restaurants often perceive inquiries about allergens as patrons being 'fussy,' but we need a more supportive environment for families managing food allergies," she stated.

The study not only aspires to update the prevalence rates of food allergies but also seeks to understand the nutritional deficiencies and behavioral challenges associated with these conditions. As allergies continue to rise, both awareness and infrastructural support will be crucial in addressing the needs of affected children and their families in Singapore.

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food allergiesSingapore childrenNational University HospitalKK Women’s and Children’s HospitalDr. Chong Kok WeeAssociate Professor Elizabeth Thampediatric allergiesanaphylaxisnutritional healtheconomic impact of allergiessocial support for allergiesfood allergy prevalenceallergen testinghealthcare researchpublic healthhygiene hypothesisSingapore Parents of Eczema and Allergy KidsIzlin Ismailclinical researchchild healthallergic reactionsfood allergy educationmetabolic healthmental healthallergy managementemergency healthcarefamilial impacts of allergiespublic awarenesspublic health policieshealthcare collaborationSingapore healthcare system

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