Allergies to Tangerine Seeds

As a brief follow up on the food aversion versus food allergy story, this study is proof that there are many allergies outside of the top 8 big bad boys--like citrus seeds!

From the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Volume 101 Number 5 November 2008:

We describe the first case of anaphylaxis due to sensitivity to tangerine seed but not to tangerine fruit...The present patient, who was sensitive to several tree nuts and to tangerine seed but not to tangerine fruit, was likely responding to cross-reacting antigens in tangerine seeds and tree nuts. Cross-reactivity between seeds and tree nuts has been attributed to common allergenic structures in hazelnut, sesame seeds, and poppy seeds...because this child also had a history of anaphylaxis to almond and cashew, it is likely that he was sensitive to cross-reacting antigens in nuts and seeds. This, then, is the first report of a systemic reaction after ingestion of tangerine seeds but not tangerine fruit. -- Emily T. Wang, MD, Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan


For more info on this abstract please see the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology

Comments

Oh gosh, my first thought was where does it end.

We have more testing next month becuase we are still having reactions.

My little guy is allergic to some citrus, we know all tree nuts to high levels. Nutmeg (not sure about what that comes from) we have not had other seeds tested for yet. I am not sure what else we are going to find.

Thank you for all you do. I always find great information from your posts.
Allergic Girl® said…
thanks elaine!

i hope this journal article didn't make you more nervous. it was one patient and one story from one doctor. not a large scale tangerine seed allergy outbreak! ;-)

i just want to inform readers that this stuff is out there...that "citrus" allergies are indeed real possibilities.

and to just keep an eye out.

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