BDA Press Centre
11 December 2009
Dietitians give help rather than hype to those with Food Allergy
When it comes to food allergies and intolerance, the advice available to the public ranges from the dependable to the downright dangerous. Recognising the need to ensure that the public receive consistent and reliable advice, The British Dietetic Association (BDA) has collaborated with the Food Standards Agency and five other allergy and nutrition organisations (Allergy UK, the Anaphylaxis Campaign, the British Nutrition Foundation, Coeliac UK and Foods Matter) on a just published advice leaflet for people who have been newly diagnosed with a food allergy.
The leaflet, Buying food when you have a food allergy or intolerance, guides people with a food allergy or intolerance, including coeliac disease, through the steps to remember when buying food and when eating out. The topics covered include checking the label on pre-packed food; what to look out for when foods aren't pre-packed; talking to restaurant staff about your allergy; what to watch out for when using self-service restaurants.
The leaflet also reassures people that there is no need to worry that being unable to eat a particular food will harm health and reminds them that it is the overall balance of their diet that matters. Dietitian Heidi Ball who contributed to the leaflet said ‘If you can’t eat certain foods it’s a good idea to choose other foods you can eat to give you the nutrients you need. For example if you are cutting out dairy, you’ll need to make sure you include other sources of calcium. Remember, don’t cut major food groups out of your diet without medical advice.’
If people are concerned about their diet, they can talk to a dietitian who will be able to advise them about avoiding the foods they are sensitive to and help them to still enjoy eating a healthy diet.
Buying food when you have a food allergy or intolerance can be downloaded from the Food Standards Agency website; or to order a copy, telephone 0845 606 0667, or email: foodstandards@ecgroup.co.uk.
The BDA produces a range of fact sheets on diet related topics including allergies which can be found at www.bda.uk.com/foodfacts.
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Media enquiries to the British Dietetic Association should be directed to our media hotline on 0870 850 2517 or pr@bda.uk.com
Notes to Editors
L Brough, GA Rees, MA Crawford, EK Dorman (2009) Social and ethnic differences in folic acid use preconception and during early pregnancy in the UK: effect of maternal folate status. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics 22:2; 100-107.
Dr Louise Brough is currently a Lecturer in Human Nutrition based at Massey University, New Zealand.
Dr Gail Rees is a registered dietitian, currently based at the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Plymouth.
The Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics is the official journal of the British Dietetic Association. http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/117979034/home
The British Dietetic Association
- The British Dietetic Association, founded in 1936, is the professional association for registered dietitians in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It is the nation’s largest organisation of food and nutrition professionals with over 6,500 members. About two-thirds of members are employed in the National Health Service. The remaining members work in education, industry, research, sport settings or freelance.
- Registered dietitians hold the only legally-recognisable graduate qualification in nutrition and dietetics. They are experts in interpreting and translating the science of nutrition into practical ways of promoting nutritional well-being, disease treatment and the prevention of nutrition-related problems. Their advice is sound and based on current scientific evidence.
- Registration, awarded by the Health Professionals Council, is an indication that a dietitian is fit to practise and is working within an agreed statement of conduct.