words by Naomi Newman-Beinart, Nutritional Therapist
As a nutritionist and a parent, I know how challenging it can be when your child is struggling, and you’re trying to piece together why.
Maybe it’s persistent eczema that flares no matter how many creams you try. Maybe it’s ongoing tummy aches, constipation, loose stools or bloating. Or perhaps it’s less obvious: restless sleep, hyperactivity, difficulty concentrating, emotional outbursts that feel disproportionate, or a general sense that something just isn’t quite right.
When you’re in it, it can feel overwhelming. You want answers, and you want to help your child feel better.
One possible piece of the puzzle that’s often overlooked is food intolerance.
What is food intolerance?
A food intolerance is very different from a food allergy.
A food allergy involves the immune system producing an immediate IgE-mediated response to a specific food. Symptoms tend to come on quickly and can include hives, swelling, vomiting, wheezing or, in severe cases, anaphylaxis. Allergies are potentially serious and must always be managed under medical supervision.
Food intolerances, on the other hand, are typically non-IgE mediated and tend to be delayed and more subtle. Symptoms may appear hours or even days after eating the triggering food. They are rarely life-threatening, but they can significantly affect quality of life.
Because the reaction isn’t immediate or dramatic, intolerances can be much harder to spot.
How can food intolerances show up in children?
Food intolerances don’t always present in textbook ways. Yes, they can show up as:
- Ongoing bloating or abdominal pain
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Reflux
- Eczema or persistent skin irritation
But they can also manifest more behaviourally or neurologically:
- Hyperactivity
- Poor concentration
- Irritability or mood swings
- Restless sleep
- Headaches
- Frequent “mystery” fatigue
Research has explored the relationship between food sensitivities and behaviour, particularly in children with neurodiversity, and suggests that food-related triggers may play a role for some children (1,2).
This does not mean food intolerances cause ADHD – neurodevelopmental conditions are complex and multifactorial – but it does suggest that dietary factors can exacerbate behavioural symptoms in certain individuals.
Similarly, there is growing research exploring links between gut health, immune activation and neurodevelopment (3), highlighting how interconnected these systems are.
The key message? Every child is different. But if symptoms seem persistent, cyclical or unexplained, food could be worth exploring.
Why are intolerances harder to spot
Unlike allergies, intolerances don’t usually create a clear “eat this → immediate reaction” pattern.
Instead, they may contribute to a cumulative load. Your child might tolerate a small amount of a food, but when it is eaten frequently, symptoms worsen. Or reactions might occur 24–72 hours later, making it very difficult to link cause and effect.
This is why many parents feel confused and often doubt themselves.
Where to start: Practical steps at home
Before jumping into testing, I always suggest starting with observation.
Keep a detailed diary
Track:
- Foods eaten (including snacks and drinks)
- Behaviour changes
- Sleep patterns
- Bowel habits
- Skin flare-ups
- Energy levels
Patterns often emerge over 2–4 weeks.
You might notice eczema flares after frequent dairy intake. Or more emotional volatility following certain processed foods. Or disturbed sleep after high-sugar days.
This information is incredibly valuable and vital to any health professional you may use to guide you on this journey.
Avoid over-restricting
It’s important not to remove large food groups unnecessarily, particularly in growing children. Restrictive diets can impact nutrient intake and create stress around food.
Any elimination approach should be structured, time-limited, nutritionally balanced and under the guidance of a health professional.
What about testing for food intolerance?
In the UK, standard NHS allergy testing typically looks for IgE-mediated allergies. Unfortunately, food intolerance testing is not routinely offered on the NHS, which can make it much longer to identify the possible trigger foods.
One option some families are keen to explore privately is the YorkTest FoodScan Junior test. YorkTest offers IgG-based food intolerance testing for children aged 2-17. Their junior test analyses IgG reactions to over 100 food and drink ingredients using a home-to-laboratory testing kit. The kit also includes an easy-to-read guide to traffic light intolerance values and a 30-minute consultation with one of their qualified nutritional therapists.
It’s important to understand that IgG testing is still debated within the medical community. Some professional bodies question whether IgG antibodies reflect intolerance or simply exposure to foods. However, many health professionals use results as a structured starting point to provide clarity where patterns feel unclear – not a diagnosis – alongside clinical history and symptom tracking.
Supporting your child holistically
Whether or not intolerances are involved, there are foundational steps that support most children:
- Regular, balanced meals with adequate protein and fibre
- Minimising ultra-processed foods
- Supporting gut health with diverse plant foods
- Prioritising sleep routines
- Encouraging outdoor movement
Naomi Newman-Beinart is a registered nutritional therapist and health expert specialising in preventative nutrition and lifestyle medicine.
References
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