The Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) has recently issued a press release stating that Australians today appear to have a greater interest in health and awareness of food allergies, with the increasing number of food and drink products targeted at people with food allergies and intolerances sparking public interest in the conditions.

As a result, more Australians are excluding essential foods from their diets unnecessarily, placing themselves at greater risk of vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

DAA spokesperson Alison Graham cited studies indicating up to 25 per cent of the population believe they have a food allergy, whereas true food allergies are thought to affect less than two per cent of adults.

'The number of adults being diagnosed with food allergies has remained constant, but the number of people incorrectly self-diagnosing food allergies and intolerances has skyrocketed,' Ms Graham said.

According to the DAA many people were wrongly attributing symptoms like a stuffy nose, stomach pain, bloating and headaches to food allergies and intolerances. These symptoms were often due to other causes.

The DAA urged people who suspect they have a food allergy or intolerance to see a doctor or an Accredited Practicing Dietitian (APD) for a proper diagnosis, before they start eliminating particular foods out of their diet.