University College Cork has secured funding of €15 million from the European Union to study the effects of food allergies on children.
The funding was awarded to Prof Jonathan O'Hourihane of the department of paediatrics. The four-year study will begin early next month.
Up to 20,000 children in the State are thought to be affected by food allergies. The most common allergens include gluten-containing foods (wheat, rye, barley and oats), crustaceans, eggs, fish and nuts.
The incidence of food allergy peaks in early life, with 5-7 per cent of toddlers affected to some extent. Many will grow out of their allergy but others have a more persistent and potentially dangerous problem.
Prof O'Hourihane says assessment of quality of life will be a cornerstone of future policy development in relation to food allergies.
Research has shown that both real and perceived food allergies have a significant impact on quality of life.
"Treatments for food allergy are in the pipeline and it is vital their impact is measured holistically, not just in the usually dry and rigid medical ways," he said.
Parents of children aged eight and under who think their youngsters may have a food allergy and who would like to take part should call (021) 4662782 for information.