What kind of fruit are you allergic to?
Posted: 13th July 2022 | Posted by Costa
What kind of fruit are you allergic to?
Not too long ago, we talked about fruit allergies and a condition called ‘pollen food syndrome’. This is something that affects 2% of UK adults and means they have a reaction when they eat fruit. As the name suggests, it’s about pollen-bearing fruit and there can be crossover with hay fever.
But it’s not as simple as being allergic to all fruit. Which fruit you’re allergic to is likely linked to a particular type of pollen allergy. As you may know, seasonal allergies affect people in different ways. Some might feel it earlier in the year because of tree pollen, or later in the year because of weed pollen. And, depending on which affects you, it might change what fruit you can or can’t eat.
This happens because the protein structure in plant-based food is similar to pollen in trees, grasses, and weeds. This is called “cross reactivity”. So let’s take a closer look at which fruits are linked to which pollen…
Tree pollen
When we say tree pollen, it isn’t necessarily all trees. The most likely causes come from the similarity with birch or alder trees. Now, this isn’t a guarantee. Just because you have a tree-pollen allergy doesn’t mean you’re going to react to these fruits. But there may be a link.
Here are some common culprits associated with tree pollen:
- Apple
- Apricot
- Strawberry
- Peach
- Pear
- Plum
While we’re here, it isn’t just linked to fruits. It can also involve vegetables such as celery, potatoes, tomatoes, and green peppers, along with nuts like almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts.
Grass pollen
People allergic to grass pollen are likely going to feel the effects in the summer months. So if you’re struggling with hay fever right now, this is who to point the finger at. Fruits you might be allergic to could include:
- Kiwi
- Melon
- Orange
- Dates
Again, this could also affect vegetables, in which case it could lead to allergic reactions to potatoes, peas, and wheat. You can also add peanuts to the list.
Weed pollen
Weed pollen is likely to affect you in autumn, as that’s when weeds – such as ragweed – release it. When it comes to fruit, weed pollen has been linked with:
- Banana
- Melon
- Watermelon
When it comes to vegetables, it could include cucumbers and carrots. No matter the pollen, not everyone with a seasonal allergy will also have a matching fruit allergy. Some studies have shown that three-quarters of people sensitive to pollen develop pollen food syndrome, and others say that having more than one pollen sensitivity is also linked to developing the condition.
But it isn’t always the case. And even if you do have it, the symptoms might be so mild while eating the fruit that you don’t even realise. So if you want to be safe and make sure, consult your GP or an allergy specialist today.
If you want an allergist to talk to about how your allergies affect you, reach out to us today. We’re always happy to welcome you as a new patient, or you can just give us a call on 02031 433 449.