Experts Warn of Health Risks from Self-Diagnosing Food Allergies

Britons are facing significant health risks by self-diagnosing food allergies and intolerances, according to experts. The rise in the use of unregulated home testing kits and unverified online advice has led individuals to eliminate essential food groups, potentially resulting in malnutrition and eating disorders. As the New Year approaches, many are reconsidering their diets, with a recent survey indicating that one in four adults in the United Kingdom claims to have a food allergy or intolerance.

The survey, conducted by Ipsos, revealed that fewer than half of those who identified as having a food allergy—specifically 49 percent—and only 31 percent of those with intolerances were formally diagnosed by healthcare professionals. Alarmingly, 39 percent of self-reported intolerances were diagnosed without professional input, and 19 percent resorted to home testing kits purchased online or in stores.

The trend of self-diagnosis has experts like Lucy Upton, a paediatric dietitian and spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association, expressing concern. “There has definitely been a trend of more people self-diagnosing with food intolerance over the past ten years,” she stated. “Parents, looking for answers, sometimes use tools like ChatGPT for guidance. Social media plays a significant role in this trend.”

Many individuals begin the process by eliminating gluten or dairy from their diets, often without sufficient knowledge of the nutritional implications. This gradual removal of food groups can lead to nutrient deficiencies, particularly concerning for children who require a balanced diet for growth and development. Upton emphasized the risk, stating, “I see this in children. Parents desperate to manage symptoms often exclude essential food groups, leading to inadequate nutrition.”

Home testing kits, which typically require a finger prick blood sample sent to a lab, can cost up to £400. Experts argue that these kits lack the accuracy needed for clinical use and do not provide reliable diagnoses. The elimination diets resulting from self-diagnosis can mask underlying health issues, such as coeliac disease or inflammatory bowel disease, potentially delaying necessary medical treatment.

Dr. Federica Amati, nutrition lead at Imperial College London, cautioned against self-diagnosis and reliance on online symptom searches. “These practices carry real risks, including misdiagnosis, unnecessary restrictions on diets, and increased health anxiety,” she noted. “They can also delay the identification of serious conditions that require medical attention.”

The Ipsos survey outlined the most common food allergies, with tree nuts such as almonds and hazelnuts leading the list, followed by crustaceans, molluscs, and peanuts. The most frequently reported intolerances include gluten, milk, and sulphites.

As awareness of food allergies and intolerances continues to grow, healthcare professionals stress the importance of seeking guidance from qualified dietitians or allergy specialists. The risks associated with self-diagnosis highlight the need for accurate information and professional support to ensure proper nutrition and health management.