Exploring the link between food allergies and children's mental health
Food Allergy in the Brain: Investigating the Impact of Food Allergy on Children's Mental Health and Cognition, and the Associated Neurobiological Mechanisms
This study is trying to see if having food allergies affects the mental health and memory of children aged 8 to 15 years.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 8 Years to 15 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | King's College London Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | immunotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (London) |
| Trial ID | NCT05839405 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study investigates the relationship between food allergies and mental health issues in children aged 8 to 15 years. It aims to understand how the anxiety associated with managing food allergies may affect cognitive function and emotional well-being, potentially linked to post-natal hippocampal neurogenesis. Participants will complete anxiety questionnaires and memory tasks to assess these connections. The study will recruit children attending routine clinic appointments at the Paediatric Allergy Unit at St Thomas' Hospital, along with their legal guardians.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 8 to 15 years with suspected food allergies who are fluent in English and undergoing routine blood tests for IgE.
Not a fit: Patients with diagnosed neurological disorders, learning disabilities, or those undergoing specific immunotherapy treatments may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into how food allergies impact children's mental health and cognitive development, leading to better management strategies.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific link between food allergies and mental health in children is less explored, related studies on anxiety and cognitive function have shown promising results.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * • Children ≥ 8 years old and \<16 years * Suspected food allergy (non-defined allergen) * Undergoing blood collection for IgE testing at their clinic appointment * Fluent / age-appropriate level of English (verbal and written) of both the child and legal parent / guardian Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed neurological disorders and learning disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Down's Syndrome. * Undergoing any allergen-specific immunotherapy or other immunomodulatory treatments such as biologics and immunosuppressants
Where this trial is running
London
- St Thomas Hospital — London, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Alexandra Santos, PhD
- Email: alexandra.santos@kcl.ac.uk
- Phone: +44 (0) 20 7188 6424
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.