Are you one of the unlucky few who suffer from a tree nut allergy?
Perhaps you’ve noticed that while you react severely to Brazil nuts, you can eat other tree nuts without any issues.
This may leave you wondering, “Why am I only allergic to Brazil nuts?”
In this article, we’ll explore the science behind tree nut allergies and why some people may only react to specific varieties.
We’ll also take a closer look at Brazil nuts, their nutritional benefits, and the potential risks associated with consuming them.
So, if you’re curious about your allergy and want to learn more, keep reading!
Why Am I Only Allergic To Brazil Nuts
Tree nut allergies are common and can be severe, with Brazil nuts being one of the most allergenic varieties. However, it’s not uncommon for individuals to only react to specific types of tree nuts, leaving them wondering why they’re only allergic to Brazil nuts.
The answer lies in the proteins found in different tree nuts. While all tree nuts contain proteins that can trigger an allergic reaction, each variety has a unique protein profile. This means that someone who is allergic to one type of tree nut may not necessarily react to others.
Co-sensitivities are most likely to be found in cashews and pistachios from the Anacardiaceae family and walnuts and pecans from the Juglandaceae family. Thankfully, desensitization treatment used for one of these tree nuts usually corresponds to the related nut.
In the case of Brazil nuts, there are two allergens involved in allergy: Ber e 1 and Ber e 2. Ber e 1 is a 2S albumin seed storage protein and is considered to be the main allergen linked to allergic reactions. Ber e 2 is an 11S globulin seed storage protein. These are often also referred to as legumins.
It’s important to note that while someone may only react to Brazil nuts, they may still be at risk for cross-reactivity with other tree nuts or even peanuts. In fact, approximately 20-30% of those with a peanut allergy are also allergic to one or more types of tree nuts.
Understanding Tree Nut Allergies
Tree nut allergies are a type of food allergy that affects a significant number of people. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can even be life-threatening in some cases. Allergic reactions to tree nuts typically occur within minutes of ingestion and can include symptoms such as hives, abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, and anaphylaxis.
It’s important to note that not all tree nuts are the same, and each variety has a unique protein profile that can trigger an allergic reaction. For example, someone who is allergic to Brazil nuts may not necessarily react to other types of tree nuts due to the different proteins present in each variety.
However, cross-reactivity between tree nuts from the same family is common. For instance, someone who is allergic to walnuts may also be allergic to pecans since they come from the same family of tree nuts. Additionally, those with a peanut allergy may also be at risk for cross-reactivity with certain types of tree nuts.
Desensitization treatment can be used to treat tree nut allergies, and it’s worth noting that treatment for one type of tree nut allergy usually corresponds to related nut allergies. For example, treatment for cashew allergies may also help alleviate symptoms of pistachio allergies.
Why Do Some People React Only To Specific Tree Nuts?
Some people may wonder why they only react to specific tree nuts, even though they are allergic to one or more types. This is because each type of tree nut has a unique protein profile, and not all individuals are sensitive to the same proteins. For example, co-sensitivities are most likely to be found in cashews and pistachios from the Anacardiaceae family and walnuts and pecans from the Juglandaceae family.
In the case of Brazil nuts, there are two allergens involved in allergy: Ber e 1 and Ber e 2. Ber e 1 is a 2S albumin seed storage protein and is considered to be the main allergen linked to allergic reactions. Ber e 2 is an 11S globulin seed storage protein. These are often also referred to as legumins. Therefore, someone who is only allergic to Brazil nuts may not necessarily react to other tree nuts.
However, it’s important to note that cross-reactivity can still occur between different types of tree nuts or even peanuts. Approximately 20-30% of those with a peanut allergy are also allergic to one or more types of tree nuts. Therefore, it’s important for individuals with a tree nut allergy to see an allergist for proper testing and management of their allergy.
The Science Behind Brazil Nuts And Allergies
Researchers have found that proteins that can cause potentially serious allergic reactions can be transferred to crops through genetic engineering. Tests have shown that soybeans modified with genes from Brazil nuts to produce a nutritious protein found in the nuts also produced proteins that set off a strong, potentially deadly allergic reaction in people sensitive to Brazil nuts. This finding confirms early suspicions that transferring genes to food plants posed such risks.
In addition, a study conducted by scientists at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln found that individuals who are allergic to Brazil nuts react to the 9-kd allergen more than to the overall specific IgE level. This suggests that assaying specific IgE only to this allergen could help avoid false-positive results.
Furthermore, prevalence for tree nut allergy varies by age, region, and the definitions used for diagnosis, but it appears to affect 0.05% to 7.3% of the population. Unfortunately, compared to other food allergies, the chances of outgrowing these allergies are lower and restricted to an estimated 10% of sensitized individuals.
Brazil nuts are actually an edible seed from a South American tree that produces hard-walled fruits resembling coconuts. The fruits ripen and fall to the ground, where they’re harvested. Then, the three-sided seeds are removed, dried, washed, and sold while still in their shells. Brazil nuts are high in protein, dietary fiber, thiamin, copper, and magnesium. However, compared to other tree nuts, they’re the best source of selenium.
Nutritional Benefits Of Brazil Nuts
Apart from being allergenic, Brazil nuts are packed with nutrients that make them a great addition to a healthy diet. These nuts are a rich source of monounsaturated fats, which are considered to be healthy fats that help reduce bad cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease. Additionally, they contain protein, fiber, magnesium, zinc, calcium, and vitamin E.
However, the most remarkable nutritional benefit of Brazil nuts is their high selenium content. Selenium is an essential mineral and antioxidant that plays a crucial role in supporting a healthy immune system. In fact, a single Brazil nut can contain up to 91mcg of selenium, which is well above the recommended daily allowance of between 60-75mcg. Regular consumption of Brazil nuts has been shown to improve brain health, elevate mood, and reduce inflammation.
It’s important to note that while Brazil nuts are highly nutritious, they’re also high in calories and fat. Therefore, it’s recommended to consume them in moderation to avoid unwanted weight gain. Eating too many Brazil nuts may also lead to selenium toxicity, which can cause symptoms like diarrhea, brittle nails, hair loss, joint pain, and fatigue. In severe cases, it may even lead to kidney failure or heart attack. The recommended upper intake of selenium for adults is 400 mcg per day.
Risks Associated With Consuming Brazil Nuts
While Brazil nuts offer numerous health benefits, they also come with some risks that individuals should be aware of before consuming them. One of the biggest concerns is the high level of radium found in Brazil nuts, which is a radioactive agent. In fact, Brazil nuts contain 1000 times more radium than any other food. This can be a concern for individuals who consume Brazil nuts regularly or in large quantities.
Another risk associated with consuming Brazil nuts is selenium toxicity. Brazil nuts are a rich source of selenium, which is an essential mineral that plays a critical role in various bodily functions. However, consuming too many Brazil nuts can lead to an excess of selenium in the body, which can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and even nerve damage.
Additionally, as a member of the tree nut family, Brazil nuts can trigger allergic reactions in some individuals. Those who have a peanut allergy may also be at risk for cross-reactivity with Brazil nuts and other tree nuts. Symptoms of tree nut allergy can range from mild reactions such as hives and itching to severe reactions such as anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening.
To avoid these risks associated with consuming Brazil nuts, it’s recommended that individuals limit their intake to a few per day and be aware of any symptoms of toxicity or allergic reaction. It’s also important to consult with a healthcare provider if you have any concerns about consuming Brazil nuts or other tree nuts.
Diagnosis And Management Of Brazil Nut Allergies
If you suspect that you have a Brazil nut allergy, it’s important to seek medical attention for a proper diagnosis. Your doctor may refer you to an allergist who can conduct skin prick tests and blood tests to determine if you have specific IgE antibodies to Brazil nuts.
It’s also important to note that some people may have a Brazil nut intolerance, which is not the same as an allergy. An intolerance can cause similar symptoms, such as gastrointestinal discomfort, but does not involve the immune system.
If you are diagnosed with a Brazil nut allergy, the best course of action is to avoid all products containing Brazil nuts. This includes not only whole nuts but also foods that may contain Brazil nuts as an ingredient, such as baked goods or chocolate.
In addition, it’s important to carry an epinephrine auto-injector (such as an EpiPen) with you at all times in case of accidental exposure. If you experience symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the throat, use the auto-injector immediately and seek emergency medical attention.
It’s also recommended that you wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace indicating your allergy in case of an emergency.
If you have a severe Brazil nut allergy, your doctor may recommend immunotherapy (also known as allergy shots) to help desensitize your immune system to the allergen. This involves receiving gradually increasing doses of the allergen over time under medical supervision.
In conclusion, if you suspect that you have a Brazil nut allergy or intolerance, seek medical attention for a proper diagnosis and follow the recommended management strategies to avoid potential life-threatening reactions.
