Many children in Ireland suffer from food intolerances and it can cause a huge amount of concern for parents. The most common intolerances in children include milk, eggs, nuts, wheat, soy and seafood, and these food intolerances could lead to a number of unpleasant symptoms.
All of these food intolerances can now be tested for at Boots, with the introduction of their Food Intolerance Testing Service. This service is available to both adults and children aged six months and over. The service allows Boots to provide its customers with the right information, conversations and products that will relieve the symptoms and discomforts that come with food intolerances.
Food intolerance is an adverse reaction to food and can make people, particularly children, very unwell. Food intolerances are different to food allergies. A food allergy is an immediate reaction after eating the problem food. A food allergy can lead to a rash, swelling, or breathing difficulties and in severe cases can be life threatening. Symptoms of a food intolerance are also very unpleasant, but are not life threatening or instant. Sufferers often experience bloating, abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea and constipation. Food intolerance has also been linked to conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, sinusitis, migraine and skin conditions such as eczema, which is especially common in children. Although children can grow out of their allergies in time, they can be badly affected in the meantime, so the Food Intolerance Testing Service could bring them much relief.
When bringing your child for the initial consultation, the Boots trained healthcare consultant will perform a simple test which involves taking a small finger-tip blood sample. This will then be analysed to identify any food intolerances. The results prompt a follow up consultation about any intolerance which has been identified and you will be advised on how best to proceed. Advice can be given on how to maintain a healthy and balanced diet.
There are two different choices of food intolerance test; a 40-food test priced at €135 and a 93-food test priced at €255. Many of the foods tested for are foods that would be a typical part of a child’s diet, such as milk, rice, wheat, fruits, nuts, potatoes, and other vegetables.
Boots Ireland has partnered with Fitzwilliam FoodTEST Clinic to deliver this service which is in addition to a wide range of pharmacy-led healthcare services and products on offer in Boots stores. Customers now have greater choice, with their needs and daily schedules accommodated in a flexible way, ultimately helping ensure better patient outcomes.
