Prevalence of self-reported food hypersensitivity among school children in The Netherlands

Abstract

Objectives: To provide national figures on the prevalence of self-reported food hypersensitivity (S-FH), and the association with socio-demographic variables and some health indicators in schoolchildren in The Netherlands.

Design: As part of the Child Health Monitoring System, data were collected from 4450 children, who were invited for a routine health assessment (response 97%). A questionnaire on food hypersensitivity was completed by the parents of the children in primary school and by the children in secondary school themselves. The measurements on health status were taken by the school physician or nurse during the school health assessment.

Subjects: Children aged 4–15 y in The Netherlands in three groups in primary school, and in the second year of secondary school.

Results: The prevalence of S-FH was 7.2%. Food additives and chocolate were most frequently avoided. Of the children with S-FH, 40% avoided food exclusively either on their own accord or on advice of relatives. School absence due to illness, use of medication, and medical treatment were more prevalent in children with S-FH, and their health status was more often considered moderate or poor by the school physician or nurse.

Conclusion: Seven percent of school-aged children avoid certain types of food or ingredients because of S-FH. The prevalence of food allergy or food intolerance is probably lower, since many children with S-FH had not undergone any diagnostic tests. To prevent unnecessary food restriction, more information for parents is needed about the possible effects of food restriction on the health of their children, and they should be encouraged to seek further diagnosis.

Sponsorship: Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sports.