Are you allergic to peanuts and wondering if you can safely consume hazelnuts?
Tree nut allergies, including hazelnut allergies, are common and often severe. In fact, peanuts and tree nuts account for the majority of reported food-related anaphylactic fatalities.
But can you eat hazelnuts if you’re allergic to peanuts?
In this article, we’ll explore the relationship between peanut and hazelnut allergies, the symptoms of hazelnut allergy, and how to manage it if you have this allergy.
So, let’s dive in and find out if hazelnuts are safe for peanut allergy sufferers.
Can You Eat Hazelnuts If Allergic To Peanuts
If you’re allergic to peanuts, you may be wondering if it’s safe to consume hazelnuts. The short answer is that it depends on your individual allergy and sensitivity.
While peanuts are not technically a tree nut, they share similar proteins with tree nuts like hazelnuts. This means that people who are allergic to peanuts may also be allergic to hazelnuts and other tree nuts.
According to studies, hazelnut allergy is one of the most common tree nut allergies, affecting 0.2% to 0.5% of people in the United States. Hazelnuts are often found in pastries, chocolates, and nut butters like Nutella.
If you have a peanut allergy, it’s important to be cautious when consuming hazelnuts or any other tree nuts. Some people with peanut allergies may also have cross-reactivity with other legumes like soybeans and peas.
Understanding Peanut And Hazelnut Allergies
Peanut and hazelnut allergies are among the most common food allergies, and they can cause severe reactions in some individuals. While peanuts are not technically a tree nut, they share similar proteins with tree nuts like hazelnuts. This means that people who are allergic to peanuts may also be allergic to hazelnuts and other tree nuts.
Tree nut allergies typically develop in early childhood, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. The number of tree nuts to which a person is allergic may increase with age, and roughly 30% of people with a tree nut allergy are allergic to more than one nut. In fact, together, peanuts and tree nuts account for 70-90% of reported food-related anaphylactic fatalities.
Hazelnuts are one of the most common tree nut allergies in Europe and the United States, affecting 0.2% to 0.5% of the population. Despite their uses in pastries, chocolates, and nut butters like Nutella, there is no cure for hazelnut allergy, and the only way to avoid a reaction is to avoid eating hazelnuts.
It’s important to note that tree nut and peanut allergies are not the same. Peanuts are legumes and don’t share the same protein structure as tree nuts. However, it is possible to have an allergy to peanuts and various types of tree nuts. Additionally, some individuals may experience oral allergy syndrome (OAS), which occurs when proteins in certain foods (like nuts) cross-react with pollen.
If you have a peanut or tree nut allergy, it’s crucial to read ingredient labels carefully and avoid any foods that may contain allergens. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can range from mild (like hives or itching) to severe (like anaphylaxis), so it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately if you experience any symptoms after consuming peanuts or hazelnuts. If you’re prone to anaphylactic reactions, your healthcare provider may prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector (like an EpiPen) to carry with you at all times.
Cross-Reactivity Between Peanut And Hazelnut Allergies
Cross-reactivity is a phenomenon that occurs when the immune system identifies similar proteins or components in different substances, triggering an allergic response. This means that people with a peanut allergy may also experience symptoms when consuming hazelnuts and other tree nuts.
Studies have shown that hazelnuts are one of the main culprits of nut allergies in Europe, while walnut and cashew are more common in the United States. However, the prevalence of hazelnut allergy in Italy and Europe is estimated to be around 0.2%, while the estimated pediatric prevalence of hazelnut allergy in the United States and Russia is 0.2-0.5% and 0.09%, respectively.
The severity of allergic reactions to peanuts can differ from person to person, and the same person can react differently at different times. Some reactions can be mild and involve only one system of the body, like hives on the skin. Other reactions can be more severe and involve multiple parts of the body, potentially leading to anaphylaxis, a severe and life-threatening reaction.
Similarly, hazelnut-induced allergic reactions can also range from mild symptoms limited to the oropharynx to severe systemic reactions potentially leading to anaphylaxis. Hazelnut allergy is an IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reaction induced by nut proteins, occurring within a few minutes from ingestion.
The frequency and type of hazelnut-induced allergic reactions seem to vary considerably by geographic region and are related to the geographical distribution of inhaled cross-reactive pollens (birch/hazel trees). For instance, in Northwestern and alpine European countries, hazelnut allergy is mainly birch pollen-related due to the homology of protein sequences between Bet v 1 allergen in birch pollen and Cor a 1 allergen in hazelnuts. On the other hand, in Western Mediterranean areas, hazelnut allergy is mainly due to cross-reactivity between the lipid transfer proteins of the peach Pru p 3 and of hazelnut Cor a 8.
Symptoms Of Hazelnut Allergy
Symptoms of hazelnut allergy can range from mild to severe and can occur within minutes of ingestion. The severity of the reaction can vary from person to person and can depend on the amount of hazelnut consumed.
Mild symptoms of hazelnut allergy may include nasal congestion, runny nose, or itching of the mouth, throat, eyes, skin, or other areas. More severe symptoms may include hives, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, and swelling of the lips, tongue, or face.
In some cases, hazelnut allergy can lead to anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that impairs breathing and can send the body into shock. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment with epinephrine.
It’s important to note that people with hazelnut allergy may also experience cross-reactivity to other tree nuts like almonds, cashews, and walnuts. Additionally, people with birch pollen allergy may experience oral allergy syndrome (OAS) when consuming hazelnuts.
If you have a hazelnut allergy or suspect that you may be allergic to hazelnuts, it’s important to avoid all hazelnut-containing products and carry emergency medication like epinephrine in case of accidental exposure. Consult with your healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and management of your allergy.
Diagnosis And Management Of Hazelnut Allergy
Diagnosis of hazelnut allergy is usually done through a skin prick test or a blood test. These tests can help determine if a person has an allergy to hazelnuts or other tree nuts.
If you are diagnosed with a hazelnut allergy, the only way to avoid a reaction is to avoid consuming hazelnuts and other tree nuts. Food manufacturers are required to list nuts on their ingredient labels in plain English, making it easier to identify and avoid hazelnuts in packaged foods.
For those who are prone to severe reactions, carrying an epinephrine auto-injector like EpiPen is highly recommended. This device can be used in case of a severe allergic reaction, and it’s important to always have it on hand.
Symptoms of hazelnut allergy can range from mild itching and swelling to severe anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening. If you experience any symptoms after consuming hazelnuts or suspect an allergic reaction, seek medical attention immediately.
In addition to avoiding hazelnuts, other precautions may be necessary. Some people with hazelnut allergy may also have oral allergy syndrome (OAS), which causes itching and swelling in the mouth and throat after consuming certain fruits and vegetables. OAS can be managed with over-the-counter antihistamines like Benadryl.
Hazelnut Alternatives For Peanut Allergy Sufferers
If you’re a peanut allergy sufferer and looking for a hazelnut alternative, there are plenty of options available. Here are some healthy and delicious alternatives to Nutella that are safe for peanut allergy sufferers:
1. Sunflower Seed Butter: Sunflower seed butter is a great alternative to Nutella and other nut butters. It has a similar texture and taste to peanut butter but is made from roasted sunflower seeds instead of peanuts or tree nuts. It’s also high in protein, healthy fats, and vitamins.
2. Pumpkin Seed Butter: Pumpkin seed butter is another great alternative for those with peanut allergies. It’s made from roasted pumpkin seeds and has a rich, nutty flavor. It’s also a good source of protein, healthy fats, and minerals like magnesium and zinc.
3. Coconut Butter: Coconut butter is made from pureed coconut meat and has a creamy, nutty flavor. It’s a great alternative to Nutella and other nut butters and is also high in healthy fats and fiber.
4. Soy Nut Butter: Soy nut butter is made from roasted soybeans and has a similar taste and texture to peanut butter. It’s also high in protein, fiber, and vitamins.
5. Tahini: Tahini is a paste made from ground sesame seeds and has a rich, nutty flavor. It’s a great alternative to Nutella and other nut butters and is also high in healthy fats, protein, and minerals like calcium.
When choosing an alternative to Nutella or other hazelnut spreads, be sure to read the label carefully to ensure that it’s safe for peanut allergy sufferers. Look for products that are labeled as “peanut-free” or “made in a peanut-free facility” to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
