Food allergy in the Saudi population: trends, triggers, and strategies for care - a systematic review
Abstract
Food allergy is a common clinical problem in Saudi Arabia with multiple factors contributing to it including the changes in lifestyle, especially among the younger generation. This systematic review presents evidence regarding the epidemiology, etiology, and management of allergic diseases in the Kingdom. This systematic review with narrative synthesis was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Due to substantial heterogeneity in study design, diagnostic approaches, and outcome measures, findings were synthesized narratively according to evidence type and research focus., The review used 20 studies and regulatory documents obtained through a systematic search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and the Saudi Digital Library. The food allergy in Saudi Arabia are similar to those in other countries with common allergens such as milk and eggs, but regional foods such as sesame and seafood are also responsible for allergic reactions. Elimination diets in children with food allergy may increase the risk of nutritional deficiencies. In Saudi Arabia, where vitamin D deficiency is already prevalent, careful nutritional monitoring is recommended. Despite the allergen labeling and awareness campaigns by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), food allergies remain a major problem in clinical practice. Several reports are available on the prevalence and awareness of food allergies, but the findings are dependent on self-reported data.
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Evidence Hub reads this as a systematic review, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid.
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