The increase in the cost Gluten and lactose food products I was born a big challenge to Families of children with food allergies. Although these products are necessary to ensure the health and luxury of many small products, the high price has directly affected the family budget. while Nutritionists Look for more alternatives at reasonable prices, Mothers They report a daily struggle to ensure a safe and balanced diet for their children. Lack of institutional support and public awareness of the problem increases the complexity of the situation.
In a scenario in which food is very important for children with insecurity, families are forced to make difficult choices between maintaining the appropriate diet and respecting budget restrictions.
The truth of children with food allergies: an increasing challenge
according to Aspay ((Brazilian League of Allergy and Immunology), About 8 % of children who reach two years in the world suffer from some food allergies. This number, despite discomfort, only reflects part of the problem, because In Brazil, there are no official statistics that accurately indicate the number of affected children.
According to the entity, I wish and Ovo They are the main foods that cause childhood allergic reactions, followed wheat And recently, peanutand Nuts And even fruits like banana.
However, this reality was reflected in another important issue: the cost of food appropriate for these children. Foods free of lactose and gluten, which are necessary to ensure the health of children with allergies, is much more expensive than traditional foods, which put families in a sensitive financial position.
The increase in the price of gluten -free foods and lactose: affecting the family budget
Mothers like Laura Vieira, a nutritionist and a 3 -year -old boy with gluten allergy, faced an increase of 200 per month with the purchase of gluten -free products.
Laura Vieira with her son. (Photo: Cristino Martins)
“In recent months, prices have increased by 20 %. For example, gluten -free oatmeal cost at least 9 resisted, while the gluten version costs 3 rims,” he says.
This increase, which has been added to the need to replace other nutrients, has pressed the families’ budget.
In addition, it is difficult to find many gluten or lactose restriction products, and the diversity between supermarkets can vary greatly, forcing families to constantly adapt.
Tina Danin, the mother of the non -solution gluten boy, reports: “We realize the price difference between the products, and to reduce the financial impact, we will immigrate from the supermarket whenever possible, we are looking for more options at reasonable prices. But there was no doubt a significant increase in expenses.”
Reasons for high price: industrial operations and limited demand
Nutritionists that have been consulted indicate that the high cost of these products is due to several factors. To Julia, a specialist dietitian, Production process He is one of the main officials.
Gluten products or lactose -require a Separate production to avoid cross pollutionWhat makes The most expensive process. In addition, raw materials, such as flour and alternative enzymes, are naturally more expensive. “
Dietician Lucas XIMENES enhances this idea.
“The price of lactose and gluten -free products is increased due to Display E Searches. How are these products It is manufactured on a smaller scaleThe cost is naturally higher. In addition, the presence of the most expensive enzymes and flour, such as almond flour and rice, contributes to the high value. ”
According to him, “This generates financial amendment in families. Many try to replace these products with cheaper alternatives or home releases.”
A Smaller request It also contributes to increasing prices, as production on a large scale of traditional products generates the economy and reduces costs. In addition, many of these products end A directed to an audience with a greater purchasing powerWhich leads to the marketing of this place, and therefore, a higher value.
Difficulties in daily life: cross pollution and unconscious
Food is not limited to children with no food intolerance to purchase specialized foods. For many families, they include daily difficulties Cross -pollutionEspecially in the case of gluten intolerance.
“The greatest difficulty is to make sure that my child is not contaminated, because at home we still have products with gluten. This requires great care, such as separating utensils and dishes.”
In addition, and A scenario in restaurants and commercial establishments It also represents a challenge. Often, the attendees do not have the necessary knowledge about gluten products free of lactose or lactose -free, which increases the risk of allergic reactions and makes the process more frustrated.
For Lucas Ximnes, this deficiency in awareness represents a serious problem.
“There is a significant lack of information about food allergies. Many families do not know how to adapt food, and health institutions and restaurants often do not have the same preparation to meet these demands, which leads to a greater risk of children’s complications,” he says.
Homemade alternatives and economic solutions: the role of food education
Looking at the difficulty of accessing specialized products, many families are looking for homemade alternatives and air -conditioned recipes to ensure a healthy diet at reasonable prices.
Laura Vieira, along with a dietitian, highlights a child allergy child, the importance of preparing home. He says: “Cooking at home, making flour and vegetative milk, for example, is cheaper and healthy alternatives. This requires time and patience, but it is an applicable solution.”
In addition, professional guidance can help families make more intelligent options. Nutritionist Julia Piantuti recommends that families give the priority of gluten or lactose naturally, such as rice, vegetables, fruits, meat and eggs. “These foods are more affordable and nutritious, and homemade kitchen can be a solution for those who face financial difficulties.”
Lucas Ximenes also enhances this idea, indicating smart alternatives to reducing costs.
“Exchange of expensive industrial products for home issues is a great way to save money. For example, the preparation of vegetable milk at home, instead of buying ready -made versions, is easier and healthy. In addition, strategically planning meals can help avoid waste and maintain the budget under control,” recommends.
Lack of institutional support and public policies: a cry of relief
Despite the difficulties facing families, the lack of general policies that encourage the production of gluten -free foods and lactose, which increases the exacerbation of the situation. For mothers and dietitians who have been interviewed, government support is necessary to make these products easier and to enhance the awareness of food allergy.
“There is no strict control of stickers, and” gluten -free “products are often intersecting. General support does not exist, and society still does not understand the danger of food sensitivity,” says Laura.
Lucas Shimins concludes: “The government can implement public policies that will encourage the production and distribution of these products more easily. Moreover, a greater awareness of the population will be essential, so that families do not feel isolated or offending understanding.”
