SINGAPORE, June 26 (Xinhua) -- A group of Singaporean clinicians and researchers from major medical institutions has launched a joint study on food allergies in local children, in response to a growing number of clinical cases, according to a joint statement released Thursday.
Spanning two years of recruitment and two years of data analysis, the project will be the first and largest study to provide a holistic overview of the burden of food allergies in Singapore.
The first phase, which began in February 2025, involves surveying at least 2,000 parents and caregivers of children aged 12 to 24 months. Participants will complete questionnaires, and those reporting potential allergic reactions will be referred to the National University Hospital (NUH) or KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH) for further evaluation.
The second phase, starting in July 2025, will study approximately 400 children aged 0 to 18 years who have had diagnosed allergies to milk, egg, peanut, or shellfish for at least six months.
Both the NUH and the KKH have reported a steady increase in paediatric food allergy cases, with eggs, milk, and peanuts being common allergens in younger children, and shellfish among adolescents and young adults.
Chong Kok Wee, co-investigator from the KKH, said the hospital has observed a concerning upward trend in food allergy cases in recent years, underscoring the urgency of the study.
Elizabeth Tham, the lead principal investigator, said the research also aims to improve mental health and overall well-being, particularly among older children and adolescents. ■
