Peanut Allergy
Peanut allergy, currently one of the most common allergens, also has the capabilities of being one of the most severe. The peanut is actually not a member of the nut family, it is a legume or from the bean family. But approximately 30-40% of the people showing adverse symptoms to the peanut will also be sensitive to the tree nut family of allergens like cashews, almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts etc.. This is generally contributed to the high risk of cross-contamination in the manufacturing process.
Is There a Relationship between the Peanut/Soy Allergies?
Many parents tend to be overly-cautious since both peanuts and soy are from a legume. Their first instinct is if their child is allergic to one does this automatically mean they are sensitive to the other? This is not always true and avoidance of both can lead to serious health risks such as a potassium deficiency. Never delete an entire food group without verifying your child is susceptible. This can lead to very serious health and nutritional deficiencies.
Unfortunately testing is not always capable of determining if your child is sensitive to both. A false positive reading can easily show up, because with current testing procedures, the results are showing sensitivity to the legume family, not necessarily whether it is peanut or soy. Therefore it is imperative you and your child must work with a certified allergist to confirm all possible allergens you need to avoid.
Hidden Sources of Peanuts
Other than the obvious: peanut butter, peanut flour, candies or chocolates with peanuts etc., below is a list of other places peanuts show up with great frequency. Remember though, cross-contamination is a very real problem with a peanut allergy because some people can come in contact with less than 1% of a peanut protein and still have a severe reaction. Therefore you need to avoid the following:
Finally, due to the acute and often rapid onset of symptoms with a peanut allergy, it is mandatory you have in your possession at all times a quick injectable dose of epinephrine. If severe symptoms do develop, you or a friend can give an immediate injection followed with a trip to the emergency room. Talk with your doctor about the advisability of you having a prescription for some of this emergency medication in case of a severe reaction.
Labels: Artificial peanuts, peanut oil, potassium deficiency, food additive 322, natural or artificial flavorings
Is There a Relationship between the Peanut/Soy Allergies?
Many parents tend to be overly-cautious since both peanuts and soy are from a legume. Their first instinct is if their child is allergic to one does this automatically mean they are sensitive to the other? This is not always true and avoidance of both can lead to serious health risks such as a potassium deficiency. Never delete an entire food group without verifying your child is susceptible. This can lead to very serious health and nutritional deficiencies.
Unfortunately testing is not always capable of determining if your child is sensitive to both. A false positive reading can easily show up, because with current testing procedures, the results are showing sensitivity to the legume family, not necessarily whether it is peanut or soy. Therefore it is imperative you and your child must work with a certified allergist to confirm all possible allergens you need to avoid.
Hidden Sources of Peanuts
Other than the obvious: peanut butter, peanut flour, candies or chocolates with peanuts etc., below is a list of other places peanuts show up with great frequency. Remember though, cross-contamination is a very real problem with a peanut allergy because some people can come in contact with less than 1% of a peanut protein and still have a severe reaction. Therefore you need to avoid the following:
- Artificial nuts- on an ingredient label this signifies a peanut was used and has been re-flavored with another tree nut oil(usually walnut or pecan)
- Arachis/Arachia oil- this is peanut oil
- Most companies producing sunflower seeds also process peanuts on the same machinery. Check with the manufacturer first.
- Ice cream parlors, soda fountains or Asian and African restaurants use peanut oil/peanuts in their recipes.
- Food Additive: Lecithin 322 or Natural and Artificial Flavors- generally signify soy or peanut oil. Check with the manufacturer.
Finally, due to the acute and often rapid onset of symptoms with a peanut allergy, it is mandatory you have in your possession at all times a quick injectable dose of epinephrine. If severe symptoms do develop, you or a friend can give an immediate injection followed with a trip to the emergency room. Talk with your doctor about the advisability of you having a prescription for some of this emergency medication in case of a severe reaction.
Labels: Artificial peanuts, peanut oil, potassium deficiency, food additive 322, natural or artificial flavorings
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