Food intolerances on the rise in UAE
Expert says dietary changes likely cause of functional gastrointestinal disorders
While physical reactions to foods are common, a growing number of residents in the UAE are suffering from functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID).The symptoms of food intolerances and food allergies are similar and may overlap, however the causes behind the reactions are different.
Dr Vito Annese, consultant gastroenterologist at Valiant Clinic, pointed out that FGID conditions are very frequent in Western countries, affecting two out of 10 individuals. “Prevalence of FGID is also increasing in the Middle East with an estimate of seven to 15 per cent of people suffering for them — probably because of lifestyle and dietary changes,” he said.
There is little scientific data on how common these problems are in the Gulf although one study of children in Asia suggested a prevalence ranging from 3.4 per cent to 11.1 per cent, said Dr Annese. He said that rising FGID and conditions in the UAE are characterised by chronic and recurring symptoms such as bloating and diarrhoea.
“Symptoms include headache, rash, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, bloating, flatulence, and abdominal pain/discomfort. They can occur in variable combinations and severity, and sometimes are exacerbated by stress and psychological factors,” said Dr Annese.
The most common food intolerances include histamine, with high contents found in chocolate, nuts, matured cheese, and ready meals — and lactose, found in milk and dairy products. Sulphites is another common food intolerance, found in dried fruit, canned goods, while fructose is found in honey and juices.
Dr Annese also referred to FODMAPs (FODMAPs are short After enjoying a nice meal or dessert, you might start to experience a physical reaction. Many people are not able to tell if the reaction is a result of a food intolerance or a food allergy. Dr Vito Annese, consultant gastroenterologist at Valiant Clinic, described a true food allergy as a one that causes an immune system reaction, which affects numerous organs in the body with the production in most cases of specific antibodies (Immunoglobulin E). The foods most likely to provoke allergies are milk, nuts, eggs, fish, wheat, soya and some fruits such as strawberries. With food intolerance, symptoms are generally less serious and often limited to digestive symptoms. In the minority of cases, there may be a genetic defect such as that of lactase leading to lactose intolerance, or an enzymatic defect such as histamine, that may manifest in childhood, but is more often reported in adult populations.
Important terms
Food Allergy:
an immune system response to a harmless food protein, due to the creation of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies causing the release of histamines which will result in an allergic reaction.
Food intolerance:
does not involve the immune system but rather difficulty in digesting certain foods and causing symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhoea.
chain carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed in the small intestine), found in foods which are rich in fermentable carbohydrates such as garlic, onion and wheat. “Symptoms are usually triggered when an individual takes more than their personal limit of the intolerant food. Such symptoms vary widely but are never life-threatening,” he added. In the case of frequent symptoms, an intolerance is carefully
investigated by documenting specific foods and reducing their intake in terms of frequency and quantity to minimise symptoms. However, a complete avoidance is never necessary, said Dr Annese. More patients complaining of food reactions in the UAE are claiming to be intolerant to what were thought to be household staples such as bread, milk and cheese, nutritionist Sara Al Mahayni told Gulf News.