Health-conscious Brits at risk of suffering from severe food allergy
Britons are more vulnerable to a new potentially serious allergy due to their desire to eat plenty of exotic fruits and vegetables, professionals have warned.
The numbers of people suffering from the lipid transfer protein allergy, which was only ever seen in Spain and Italy in the past, have increased with the surge of different types of fruit and vegetables available in Britain and their popularity.
The most common reactions from the allergy are minor symptoms such as a runny nose and watery eyes.
However for people who have an allergy, an attack can be fatal if they suffer anaphylactic shock and the allergy can also cause vomiting and breathing difficulties.
According to the British Soft Drinks Association, Brits are drinking 898 million litres of fruit juices and smoothies each year.
When there was a limited availability of fruits and vegetables available in Britain, fewer people ate the exotic types.
The research has revealed that with more exposure to fruit allergens, the number of reactions is also increasing.
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Allergy specialist Dr Isabel Skypala from the Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Trust, said to the Daily Mail: “Whilst we don’t know the cause, the fact that we consume far more concentrated forms of fruits and vegetables, such as juices and smoothies, could be relevant.”
Allergy professor at London King’s College and a consultant allergist Stephen Till said to the Daily Mail: “For many years we’ve known about this allergy in other southern European countries.
“We’re now seeing patients with it here – and numbers are increasing, as with all food allergies.
“The increased incidence might be related to dietary habits changing.
“Tomatoes and strawberries are much more available now than they were decades ago so LTP allergic people may be more exposed to triggers.”
