Female adults with multiple food allergies face the most significant burden on their health-related quality of life, according to the multicentre BIOGRIAL study published in Allergy: European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Research involving 502 patients identified female sex, severe reaction history, vegetable allergy, and multiple food allergies as independent predictors for quality of life.
Why do female adults report lower quality of life?
The BIOGRIAL study found that female sex was the determinant with the highest negative impact on health-related quality of life among participants with IgE-mediated food allergies. Researchers reported that 79% of patients who scored 5 or higher on the Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire (FAQLQ)—indicating a poor quality of life—were female adults. While the median score for all participants was 4.55, female adults managing at least seven food allergies recorded a mean score of 5.93.
The BIOGRIAL study included 502 patients, 63.9% of whom were female. The cohort was primarily composed of adults (86%), followed by adolescents (7.4%) and children (6.6%).
What factors impact allergy-related well-being?
According to the findings by Vera-Berrios et al., poor quality of life is driven by a combination of clinical and demographic factors. Beyond gender, the study identified the following as independent predictors of quality of life:
- Multiple food allergies: A higher count of allergic triggers correlates with lower scores.
- Reaction severity: Patients with a history of severe reactions, measured by the Food Allergy Severity Score, reported greater impairment.
- Urgent care needs: The necessity for urgent treatment is a significant determinant.
- Onset age: The onset of food allergies younger than age 18 years is linked to quality of life challenges.
- Specific triggers: Vegetable allergies were specifically noted as an independent predictor of lower quality of life scores.
How can patient care be improved?
The researchers advocate for a shift toward personalized, targeted interventions to address these disparities. Because the data shows that female adult patients with multiple food allergies have the lowest food allergy health-related quality of life, the study suggests that clinical management should move beyond simple avoidance diets. Recommended strategies include integrating psychosocial support, dietary management, and education to help mitigate the daily impact of food allergies.
If you are managing multiple food allergies, discuss the impact of your condition with your healthcare provider. The BIOGRIAL study highlights that female adult patients with multiple food allergies need targeted, personalised interventions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the BIOGRIAL study?
It is a Spanish multicentre study, published in 2026, aimed at identifying the factors that cause food allergies to impair a patient’s health-related quality of life.
How is “poor” quality of life defined in this research?
The researchers defined a poor health-related quality of life as a score of 5 or more on the Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire (FAQLQ), which uses a scale of 1 to 7.
Are children or adults more affected by food allergies?
The study found that adults reported poorer food allergy health-related quality of life scores compared to younger participants, with female adults experiencing the most significant impact.
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