Walnuts are a nutrient-rich food that can be consumed as a snack or used in cereals, offering numerous health benefits. We can enjoy various products such as candies, cakes.... made from walnuts. However, an important concern is that walnut allergy is occurring in certain individuals. How can one recognize an allergic reaction to walnuts?
1. Symptoms of Walnut Allergy
The severity of a walnut allergy can be significant and pose serious health risks. In mild cases, itching in the mouth and tongue may occur immediately after chewing the walnut kernel. In more severe cases, itching may spread widely across the body, and there is even a risk of death due to breathing difficulties. The severity of a walnut allergy depends on the type of protein in walnuts that reacts with the body.
2. Certain Foods That Trigger Cross-Reactions
To minimize walnut allergies, it is essential to identify individuals at high risk of reacting to this nut.
• Patients allergic to birch pollen are at high risk of walnut allergy
In individuals with a history of birch pollen allergy, walnut allergy is considered a cross-reaction due to the similarity between the allergenic proteins in birch pollen and walnuts. This type of allergy typically manifests in mild forms and is detected soon after consumption. However, allergic reactions may not occur if the protein is degraded.
• Patients allergic to tree nuts
Allergenic proteins are generally heat-stable and resistant to digestion in the stomach. As a result, patients allergic to tree nuts may experience severe, life-threatening reactions. If there is a history of nut allergies, caution should always be exercised when consuming walnuts.
According to research, up to 37% of individuals allergic to walnuts also exhibit allergies to cashews and hazelnuts. However, allergic reactions may not occur if the structure of the nut changes. Additionally, cross-reactions are relatively rare in practice.
• Patients allergic to fruits such as peaches, pears, apples, apricots,....
Individuals allergic to peaches, pears, apples, plums, and similar fruits primarily react to a heat-resistant protein known as lipid transfer protein (LTP). Approximately 50% of individuals allergic to LTP also exhibit allergic reactions to walnuts. Due to its heat stability, LTP is resistant to gastric digestion. When this reaction occurs, there is an increased risk of anaphylactic shock.
3. Individuals Experiencing Walnut Allergy and the Frequency of Symptoms
Tree nuts, particularly walnuts, are among the most common food allergens. However, data on walnut allergies remain limited. In the United States and the United Kingdom, the prevalence of tree nut allergies ranges from approximately 0.2% to 0.5% across all age groups.
It is believed that walnut allergies can be detected early in childhood, allowing for easier prevention. However, whether this condition improves or remains unchanged over the years requires further detailed analysis for a precise conclusion.
4. Diagnosis of Walnut Allergy
How is a walnut allergy diagnosed? Most food allergies are identified through skin testing. In some cases, blood samples may be analyzed by observing reactions to walnut extracts. Blood testing is highly sensitive and is commonly used for evaluating allergic responses.
5. Precautions to Minimize Walnut Allergy
Unlike certain nuts such as hazelnuts and peanuts... walnuts are not as commonly available since they are considered a premium food. Therefore, if symptoms of walnut allergy are detected, caution should be exercised when consuming other tree nuts to ensure safety.
The above insights can help in avoiding walnut allergy reactions. For further guidance, consulting a medical professional or nutrition expert is recommended to identify safe food choices for your body.
Reference source: research.bmh.manchester.ac.uk
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