Allergic reactions to additives may occur if the additive is of natural origin. In this condition certain fresh fruits and vegetables or nuts and spices can trigger an allergic reaction that causes the mouth to tingle or itch.

Allergy And Sensitivity To Food Additives And Preservatives

A large number of food additives are widely used in the food industry.

What food additives cause allergic reactions. Peanut allergy is one of the most common allergies in older children as only approximately one in four children will outgrow peanut allergy. Vasoconstrictive amines contained in cured cheeses such as tiramine and histamine cause allergic reactions. Causes of food allergy.

Adverse reactions can cause headache a burning sensation on the back of the neck chest tightness nausea diarrhea and sweating. In serious cases the reaction results in swelling of the throat or even anaphylaxis. Peanuts tree nuts eggs milk wheat sesame fish shellfish and soy cause about 90 per cent of food allergic reactions.

Monosodium glutamate glutamic acid MSG. In people with allergies E223 may be sensitising and cause allergic reactions. Several additives can cause allergic reactions gastric irritation diarrhoea rashes asthma nausea respiratory irritation risk of cancer etc.

Manufacturers and restaurants use MSG to enhance flavor in packaged meats and foods. Many studies have shown that additives such as monosodium glutamate MSG the sugar substitute aspartame and food dyes do not cause allergic reactions. For example there have been a few reports from allergy clinics of allergic reactions to annatto a natural colour extracted from a seed.

Natural additives like spices should cause immediate reactions because of a pollen-sensitization or panallargen proteins presence. While many websites and individuals preach in favour of complete abolition of additives as if they were toxic and lethal chemicals one must understand why they are used. Studies of MSG have shown that most symptoms attributed to MSG cannot be reproduced during blinded MSG challenges.

Numerous symptoms have been attributed to food additive exposure but the cause-and-effect relationship has not been well demonstrated in all. It may lead to hyperactivity and affect the nervous system. What are the Disadvantages of Food Additives.

Can MSG or other food additives cause allergic reactions. The most allergy-producing food additives are coloring benzoic acid and sulfites. Additive-free diets may help the patient care but the authors suggest assessing an oral food challenge with the culprit substance if there are no contraindications.

Adverse reactions to additives seem to be rare but are likely underdiagnosed in part due to a low index of suspicion. Flavor enhancers and preservatives as well as food-coloring dyes are among the food additives that may elicit allergic reactions in susceptible individuals 2. Moreover many claim that certain additives may be the cause of certain health conditions such as allergies migraines hyperactivity in children and several adverse reactions.

Also known as oral allergy syndrome pollen-food allergy syndrome affects many people who have hay fever. Preservative 223 is a food additive that can be irritating with direct contact but the amount used in the food industry is small and does not cause such an effect. Food additives sometimes destroy vitamins in the food replacing real ingredients.

Allergic reactions to food additives include hives diarrhea and other gastrointestinal problems and respiratory problems such as asthma 2. Their manifestations are cutaneous eczema urticaria and respiratory rhinitis asthma.