More than half of Greek parents say their preschooler has had a food allergic reaction, according to a new survey — and cow's milk is the most common culprit. The study, published in Allergies, surveyed parents of 151 children aged 3–6.5 years across Greece. Skin rashes and digestive symptoms were the most frequently reported reactions, though none of the findings were clinically confirmed.
A new cross-sectional survey out of Greece is shining a light on how common food allergy concerns are among parents of young children. Of 151 preschoolers aged 3–6.5 years, more than half (57%) had reportedly experienced a food-related allergic reaction, according to their parents. The study, published in Allergies, gathered data through an anonymous online questionnaire distributed via social media and parenting forums.
Cow's milk and dairy products topped the list of suspected triggers, followed by chicken eggs, fish, and peanuts. The most commonly reported symptom was skin rash, eczema, or itching, with digestive symptoms like diarrhea or vomiting also frequently noted. Notably, neither age nor gender was significantly linked to the likelihood of a reaction or an asthma diagnosis.
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Why it matters: While the findings are based solely on parental reports and weren't clinically confirmed, they highlight a significant perceived burden of food allergies in young children in Greece — and underscore the need for larger, clinically validated studies to better understand the true prevalence of pediatric food allergies in the region.
