What is a pine nut allergy

The most common tree nuts include macadamia nuts, brazil nuts, cashews, almonds, walnuts, pecans, pistachios, chestnuts, hazelnuts (filberts), and pine nuts (pignoli or pinon). Less common tree nuts include beechnuts, butternuts, chinquapins, gingko, hickory nuts, lychee nuts, pili nuts, and shea nuts.

Children who are allergic to multiple types of tree nuts (more than one or two) are less likely to outgrow their allergy than children who are allergic to just one type of tree nut.

Allergy to Both Tree Nuts and Peanuts

Peanuts are legumes and are biologically unrelated to tree nuts.

Tree nut allergy and peanut allergy are two diverse types of allergies. Still, while people allergic to tree nuts are not necessarily allergic to peanuts, it's also possible be allergic to both.

You should be aware that tree nuts and peanuts are often found together in processed foods and nut mixtures.

If you are diagnosed with a tree nut allergy, your allergist will advise you whether to avoid peanuts, as well.

Tree Nuts and Food Labeling Laws

Tree nuts are one of the most common food allergies, and as such, the U.S. Food and Drug istration requires manufacturers selling foods in America to label foods containing tree nuts. The Food Allergy Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) requires that manufacturers label which tree nut is in a given product.

Allergies to More than One Nut

People can be allergic to one type of tree nut, to some tree nuts, or to numerous tree nuts but not to other types of tree nuts.

That's because some tree nuts contain similar proteins—for example, almonds and hazelnuts contain similar proteins, as do walnuts and pecans, and pistachios and cashews. Because of these protein similarities, it is common for an individual to own an allergy to both nuts. For instance, if you are allergic to cashew, you own a greater risk of being allergic to pistachios, as well.

However, most people with tree nut allergy are not allergic to every tree nuts.

The decision to avoid every tree nuts when there is an allergy to one or more tree nuts is a personal one and one you should discuss with your doctor. In food production, the risk of cross-contact with multiple tree nuts is higher, which has led numerous health professionals to recommend avoidance of every tree nuts.

How to Avoid Cross-Contact with Tree Nut and Other Food Allergies

Symptoms Associated With Tree Nut Allergy

Symptoms associated with a tree nut allergy include:

1. tingling of the lips
2. conjunctivitis
3. contact dermatitis
4. diarrhea
5. urticaria (hives)
6. vomiting
7. throat tightening
8. angioedema
9. itching of the mouth, ears, and eyes
10. abdominal pain
11. asthma (in asthmatics)
12. oral allergy syndrome
13. anaphylaxis

People with tree nut allergy should carry a source of epinephrine at every times in case they own a dangerous allergic reaction.

Foods That Contain Tree Nuts

Food that always or almost always contains tree nuts include:

1. Nutella (made from hazelnuts)
2. nut liqueurs (Frangelico, Amaretto, and Nocello)
3. pesto (unless specially prepared without pine nuts)
4. turrón (a candy typically made with almonds)
5. pralines
6. gianduja (a creamy mixture of chocolate and chopped almonds and hazelnuts; other nuts can be used)
7. baklava
8. marzipan (almond paste)
9. nougat
10. nut flours (almond flour is the most common)

Foods that may contain tree nuts include:

1. macaroons
2. energy bars
3. caponata (a dish made from eggplant that often includes pine nuts)
4. mortadella (lunchmeat)
5. crackers
6. nougat
7. candy bars
8. baked goods
9. granola bars
10. barbecue sauces
11. frozen desserts
12. marinades
13. trail mix
14. nut meal
15. fudge
16. cookies
17. ice cream
18. flavored coffee
19. cereal
20. natural extracts: almond and wintergreen (filbert/hazelnut allergy)

As with numerous common allergens, tree nuts are sometimes found in unlikely foods, so be certain to read labels on every packaged foods before buying or eating them.

Is Coconut a Tree Nut?

In fact, coconut allergy is uncommon, and studies own shown that people with tree nut allergy are at no greater risk of being allergic to coconuts. Numerous tree nut allergic individuals can tolerate coconut in milk and yogurt form.

Talk to your allergist about including coconut if it is not currently part of your diet.

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