Tree nut allergy: Difference between revisions
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Do not confuse nut allergies with sensitivities to nut fumigants. Depending on the type of nut or the U.S. state that it is grown in U.S. grown nuts are fumigated or steam pasteurized to varying degrees. Fumigants include Propylene Oxide, Methyl Bromide, (these are classed by California Proposition 65 as a carcinogen and developmental toxin, respectively). These treatments are to avoid the growth of an aflatoxin producing mold in peanuts (for example), or the occasional instance of salmonella in raw almonds. The residue limits are regulated (although that for almonds was raised to 300ppm in 2007)<ref>www.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/cleared_reviews/csr_PC-042501_27-May-98_a.pdf</ref><ref>http://foodidentitytheft.com/trying-to-avoid-almonds-that-are-gassed-heres-a-little-guide/</ref> |
Do not confuse nut allergies with sensitivities to nut fumigants. Depending on the type of nut or the U.S. state that it is grown in U.S. grown nuts are fumigated or steam pasteurized to varying degrees. Fumigants include Propylene Oxide, Methyl Bromide, (these are classed by California Proposition 65 as a carcinogen and developmental toxin, respectively). These treatments are to avoid the growth of an aflatoxin producing mold in peanuts (for example), or the occasional instance of salmonella in raw almonds. The residue limits are regulated (although that for almonds was raised to 300ppm in 2007)<ref>www.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/cleared_reviews/csr_PC-042501_27-May-98_a.pdf</ref><ref>http://foodidentitytheft.com/trying-to-avoid-almonds-that-are-gassed-heres-a-little-guide/</ref> |
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== Tree nut alternatives == |
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Since many people with tree nut allergies also have [[peanut allergy|peanut allergies]], and peanut butter is a popular derivative of peanuts and widely used product, especially in the United States, many schools offer peanut-free menu options or implement entirely nut-free policies. <ref>{{cite web|last=Groce |first=Victoria |url= http://foodallergies.about.com/od/adultfoodallergies/f/nutsatschool.htm |title=Why is My Child’s School Nut-Free? What food can she bring? |publisher=foodallergies.about.com |date=2008-06-09 |accessdate=2011-03-03}}</ref> For instance, [[sunflower seed butter]] can provide an alternative in schools where peanut butter and peanuts have been banned. However, a small number of people with tree nut and/or peanut allergies may also be allergic to sunflower seed butter. According to one study a person with a known [[peanut allergy]] suffered an acute reaction to a "nut-free" butter containing sunflower seeds. <ref>{{cite journal |title=Is “nut-free” sunflower seed butter safer for children with peanut allergy? |year=2007 |last=Hsu |first=Denise |journal=The Medical Journal of Australia |volume=198 |issue=9 |pages=542-543}}</ref> |
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From a nutritional perspective, sunflower butter contains almost four times as much [[vitamin E]] as peanut butter, and about twice as much iron, [[magnesium]], [[phosphorus]] and zinc. Peanut butter contains higher levels of protein and slightly less sugar and fat.<ref>{{cite web|last=Thomas |first=R.G. |url= http://www.ars.usda.gov/SP2UserFiles/Place/12354500/Articles/ADA10_SunflowerAlmondButter.pdf |title=Sunflower Seed Butter and Almond Butter as Nutrient-Rich Alternatives to Peanut Butter |publisher=USDA |accessdate=2012-11-12}}</ref> |
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Sunflower butter, or sunflower seed butter, is a food paste made from the [[sunflower oil|oil]] of [[sunflower seeds]]. <ref>{{cite web|last=Peabody |first=Erin |url= http://www.ars.usda.gov/IS/pr/2005/050517.htm |title=Sunflower Seed Butter Improves As It Spreads Across America |publisher=USDA |date=2005-05-17 |accessdate=2012-11-12}}</ref> Leading brands in the [[United States]] include [[Sunbutter|SunButter]] and [[Trader Joe's]] sunflower seed butter. |
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== See also == |
== See also == |
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Revision as of 04:43, 12 November 2012
| Tree nut allergy | |
|---|---|
| Specialty | Immunology  |
Tree nut allergy is a common type of food allergy, affecting millions of people worldwide. It is a hypersensitivity to dietary substances from tree nuts causing an overreaction of the immune system, which may lead to severe physical symptoms.[1] Tree nuts include almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, chestnuts, filberts/hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, coconut, pecans, pine nuts (pignolia nuts), pistachios, and walnuts.
People with tree nut allergy are seldom allergic to just one type of nut,[citation needed] and are therefore usually advised to avoid all tree nuts, even though an individual may not be allergic to all varieties of tree nuts. Someone allergic to walnuts or pecans may not have an allergy to cashews or pistachios, even though close biological relatives often share related allergenic proteins. The severity of the allergy varies from person to person, and exposure can increase sensitization. For those with a milder form of the allergy, the raw nut protein usually causes a more severe reaction than the oil, and extra roasting or processing can reduce the allergic reaction. Those diagnosed with anaphylaxis will have a more immediate mast cell reaction and be required to avoid all exposure to any allergen-containing products or byproducts, regardless of processing, as they are prone to even greater sensitivity. An allergy test or food challenge may be performed at an allergy clinic to determine the exact allergens. New immunotherapy treatments are being developed for tree nut allergy.
Tree nut allergy is distinct from peanut allergy, as peanuts are considered legumes, whereas a tree nut is a hard-shelled fruit of certain plants.
This allergy tends to be lifelong; recent studies have shown that only about 9% of children outgrow their tree nut allergy.[1]
Hazelnut has been used as a model tree nut in the study of tree nut allergies.[2]
Prevention and treatment
Template:Globalise/US In the United States, the federal Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) requires that any packaged food product that contains tree nuts as an ingredient must list the specific tree nut on the label.[1] Foods that almost always contain tree nuts include pesto, marzipan, Nutella, baklava, pralines, nougat, gianduja, and turrón. Other common foods that may contain tree nuts include cereals, crackers, cookies, baked goods, candy, chocolates, energy/granola bars, flavored coffee, frozen desserts, marinades, barbecue sauces, and some cold cuts, such as mortadella. Tree nut oils (especially shea nut) are also sometimes used in lotions and soaps. Asian and African restaurants, ice cream parlors, and bakeries are considered high-risk for people with tree nut allergy due to the common use of nuts and the possibility of cross contamination.
Treatment usually involves an exclusion diet and vigilant avoidance of foods that may be contaminated with tree nuts, nut particles, or oils. The most severe nut allergy reaction is anaphylaxis,[3] an emergency situation requiring immediate attention and treatment with epinephrine.
Non Natural Toxins
(please correct this section) Template:Globalise/US Do not confuse nut allergies with sensitivities to nut fumigants. Depending on the type of nut or the U.S. state that it is grown in U.S. grown nuts are fumigated or steam pasteurized to varying degrees. Fumigants include Propylene Oxide, Methyl Bromide, (these are classed by California Proposition 65 as a carcinogen and developmental toxin, respectively). These treatments are to avoid the growth of an aflatoxin producing mold in peanuts (for example), or the occasional instance of salmonella in raw almonds. The residue limits are regulated (although that for almonds was raised to 300ppm in 2007)[4][5]
Tree nut alternatives
Since many people with tree nut allergies also have peanut allergies, and peanut butter is a popular derivative of peanuts and widely used product, especially in the United States, many schools offer peanut-free menu options or implement entirely nut-free policies. [6] For instance, sunflower seed butter can provide an alternative in schools where peanut butter and peanuts have been banned. However, a small number of people with tree nut and/or peanut allergies may also be allergic to sunflower seed butter. According to one study a person with a known peanut allergy suffered an acute reaction to a "nut-free" butter containing sunflower seeds. [7]
From a nutritional perspective, sunflower butter contains almost four times as much vitamin E as peanut butter, and about twice as much iron, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc. Peanut butter contains higher levels of protein and slightly less sugar and fat.[8]
Sunflower butter, or sunflower seed butter, is a food paste made from the oil of sunflower seeds. [9] Leading brands in the United States include SunButter and Trader Joe's sunflower seed butter.
See also
References
- ^ a b c National Institutes of Health, NIAID Allergy Statistics http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/topics/foodAllergy/understanding/quickFacts.htm
- ^ Birmingham NP, Parvataneni S, Hassan HM; et al. (2007). "An adjuvant-free mouse model of tree nut allergy using hazelnut as a model tree nut". Int. Arch. Allergy Immunol. 144 (3): 203–10. doi:10.1159/000103993. PMID 17570928.
{{cite journal}}: Explicit use of et al. in:|author=(help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ National Report of the Expert Panel on Food Allergy Research, NIH-NIAID 2003 http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/about/organization/dait/PDF/june30_2003.pdf
- ^ www.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/cleared_reviews/csr_PC-042501_27-May-98_a.pdf
- ^ http://foodidentitytheft.com/trying-to-avoid-almonds-that-are-gassed-heres-a-little-guide/
- ^ Groce, Victoria (2008-06-09). "Why is My Child's School Nut-Free? What food can she bring?". foodallergies.about.com. Retrieved 2011-03-03.
- ^ Hsu, Denise (2007). "Is "nut-free" sunflower seed butter safer for children with peanut allergy?". The Medical Journal of Australia. 198 (9): 542–543.
- ^ Thomas, R.G. "Sunflower Seed Butter and Almond Butter as Nutrient-Rich Alternatives to Peanut Butter" (PDF). USDA. Retrieved 2012-11-12.
- ^ Peabody, Erin (2005-05-17). "Sunflower Seed Butter Improves As It Spreads Across America". USDA. Retrieved 2012-11-12.
External links
- Tree nut allergy at Food Allergy Initiative
- "Are Nut Bans Promoting Hysteria?" by Tana Parker-Pope at The New York Times (15 Dec 2008)
- Is Peanut Allergy Related to Tree Nut Allergies? at PeanutAllergy.com