What are the rarest food allergies?

Some food allergies are so common that manufacturers are legally required to label products that contain them. Eggs, cows’ milk, and nuts, for example, are all known to trigger physical symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, a skin rash (hives), shortness of breath and nausea. But there are some of the rarest food allergies out there that you may not have heard of, although they can be just as dangerous.

Avocados

Smashed avo is a breakfast trend that’s gained momentum over recent years, but it’s also the cause of more of the more unusual food allergies. Strangely enough, the structure of proteins found in avocados is similar to found those in latex, so the two allergies are closely linked. Avocados also contain histamines, which are known to be the source of some food allergies and can trigger an extreme physical response.

Red meat

A sugar found in meat called alpha-galactose can occasionally be the source of an autoimmune response. This can cause an allergy to red meats like beef, lamb and pork, which initiates symptoms such as congestion, diarrhoea, breathlessness, and an itchy rash. If you suffer from this unusual food allergy, you may find that you’re also unable to eat poultry, as this can sometimes be injected with beef to boost its flavour. Red meat is definitely considered to be one of the rarest food allergies.

Dried fruit

Sulfites such as sulfur dioxide are used to preserve foods to prevent browning and prolong colour. Despite being commonly used in baked goods, snacks, and dried fruit, they’re known to trigger allergic reactions. Because of this reason, food manufacturers have a legal obligation to list sulphates on food labels if they’re included in a product and used as a preservative or enhancer.

Marshmallows

A marshmallow allergy is unusual, but if you experience severe symptoms after eating this sweet treat, then gelatine is the most likely culprit. This protein is formed from the collagen taken from the skin, bones and connective tissues of cows and pigs that have been processed. It’s commonly added to sweets, desserts and even some sauces, which means a lot of these are off the cards for vegetarians and vegans.

Wine

Yes, despite being one of the more unusual allergies, some people have the misfortune of being allergic to wine, mostly likely because of the enzymes it contains. An alcohol allergy is also known to exacerbate other reactions to food. You may find, for example, that you’re not allergic to a particular ingredient but that combining it with alcohol brings on symptoms you wouldn’t experience otherwise.

How do I find out whether I have a food allergy or a food intolerance?

Having a food allergy is not the same as having a food intolerance, but it’s easy to confuse the two. While food intolerance symptoms are unpleasant, they’re not as severe as those associated with food allergies and don’t require urgent medical attention. You can find out whether you have a food intolerance by taking one of our tests that will determine whether your digestive system is sensitive to any specific ingredients. If you suspect you have a food allergy, on the other hand, it’s best to speak to your GP, who can refer you for the necessary tests.

Contact UK Food Intolerance to improve your health and wellbeing

If you’d like to find out more about our food intolerance tests, please visit our website or FAQs page. You can also email any questions you have to [email protected] or fill out our contact form. Please remember that while we’re happy to listen to your concerns, our advice should never replace that of medical professionals, and you should speak to your doctor if you’re concerned about your health.