20 Million Who Cannot Stomach Their Food

Almost half the population is suffering from a food intolerance, according to a report.

An estimated 45 per cent of us develop digestive problems, migraines and skin complaints because of the food we eat.

But the Health Service is not providing enough help and advice, according to campaigners. "Around 20 million people are suffering from symptoms that impact on their daily lives and yet are not able to get help from the NHS," said Muriel Simmons, chief executive of Allergy UK. "We want to see more resources for primary care and better training."

The Charity's report 'Stolen Lives' says only 2 per cent of Britons have a life-threatening allergy but 45 per cent have symptoms linked to a food intolerance, such as migraine, eczema and irritable bowel syndrome.

More than half have been so ill they have taken time off work. Although 76 per cent visited their GP regularly, most said the doctor did not understand their problems.

A Department of Health spokesman denied there were insufficient resources. She said: "GPs and specialist nurses provide general allergy services in the first instance and the patients can then be referred to dermatologists, respiratory consultants, and in some cases, paediatricians to treat a variety of allergy conditions."
The Daily Mail, 22nd January 2007