The risk posed by these products is unknown as far as we know, so we would advise people with coconut allergy to read ingredient lists carefully and avoid any product containing coconut. Why the change in classification? Farnborough However, in October 2006, the FDA began identifying coconut as a tree nut. There are isolated reports of cross‐reactive antibodies between coconut and certain tree nuts (hazelnut and walnut) and reports of clinical reactivity 70, 71; however, another study found that children with peanut and tree nut allergy are not more likely to be sensitised or allergic to coconut than non‐nut‐allergic children 72. Allergic reactions to allergens can vary from mild to life-threatening. Coconut allergies are pretty rare, but for the few of those who are allergic, it can be serious, including anaphylaxis. The Allergy UK website has more information. There is no reliable shea nut allergy reaction recorded in the medical literature. Now a freelance health and food writer, Carrie worked as a nurse for over a decade. When eating out, question staff carefully. Coconut is considered a drupe, or a fruit with a hard covering over the seed. If you have been told you are allergic to coconut but are unsure if a separate coconut allergy test has been carried out, or if you are allergic to one or more tree nuts and don’t know if you are allergic to coconut, we would advise you to ask your GP to arrange for a coconut allergy test. But the FDA confused everyone a couple of years back by adding coconut to the list of tree nut allergens…if you’re tree nut allergic, ask your doctor if coconut flour is ok for you. Coconut in skincare. . …Unless you’re a botanist. A cross-reacting protein found in both coconut and hazelnut was identified as the cause. Unless you've specifically been told to avoid coconut (it is possible to be allergic to them) I'd go for it. If coconut is a tree nut, does that mean that it’s no longer safe for people with nut allergies? It’s a versatile fruit that can take you from pecan coconut-crusted fish for dinner to light-as-air coconut macaroons for dessert. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognizes coconut as a tree nut, and thus an allergen that must be declared. Detailed information on severe allergy (anaphylaxis) and its treatment can be found here: The text of this article has been peer reviewed by Dr Michael Radcliffe, Consultant in Allergy Medicine, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Doesn’t mean you can’t be sensitive to coconut of course, as with any food, just not classed as a nut for allergy purposes as it is not botanically a nut, it’s classified as a ‘drupe’! These nut-free snacks for kids are allergy-safe without scrimping on taste. We advise people who are allergic to coconut to read food labels carefully every time they shop. Coconut. Disclosure : Posts may contain affiliate links. The coconut tree (Cocos nucifera) is a member of the palm tree family and the only living species of the genus Cocos. The following are just a few of the products that you need to watch out for: Should people with coconut allergy avoid coconut oil? Anxiety Coconut allergy. In babies, a non-IgE-mediated food allergy can also cause diarrhoea and reflux, where stomach acid leaks up into the throat. Coconut oil is a cold-pressed oil commonly used in baking and in Asian recipes. Coconut does not appear on the list of major food allergens that must, by law, always be labelled on food packages, so if you are in doubt about any product, contact the manufacturer. Here are 15 allergen friendly, safe, nut free chocolate brands that will make your life a whole lot easier! If the test is positive, it indicates an allergy to at least one nut, but it does not mean that the patient is allergic to all of them. Hampshire The medical reviewer of this article, who works in a busy NHS allergy clinic, occasionally sees patients who had been mistakenly advised that they were allergic to coconut due to the misinterpretation of the results of a popular allergy blood test.  The test is called ImmunoCAP fx1 Mixed Nuts and it is available to GPs in some areas.  It checks to see if one or more nut antibodies (specifically peanut, hazelnut, brazil nut, almond or coconut) is present in the blood serum. However, the botanical distance between coconuts and tree nuts suggests that most people with tree nut allergy are likely to tolerate coconut. Coconuts might be the tropical rage in the health community, but it’s a major source of confusion in the allergic community. All the information we produce is evidence based or follows expert opinion and is checked by our clinical and research reviewers. Coconut oil is a cold-pressed oil and is used in baking and ethnic cooking. Coconut oil. In the UK, shea nut is not considered one of the eight nuts in the ‘tree nut’ group according to EU legislation, and is therefore not a ‘top 14’ allergen. Our registered company address is Anaphylaxis Campaign, 1 Alexandra Road, Farnborough, GU14 6BU. But since it can be argued that it is a nut of sorts, it can be added with the other tree nuts. Tree nuts include almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, brazil nuts, cashew nuts and pistachios.  People who are allergic to tree nuts sometimes ask us if they are likely to react to coconut because of the name.  Foods that are close biological relatives often share similar proteins, which can lead to a process called cross-reactivity – where a person allergic to one food also reacts to another. This article has been written to help people who are allergic to coconut to understand their allergy, and also to inform people who believe they may be allergic to coconut but aren’t sure. Anaphylaxis Campaign (incorporating the Latex Allergy Support Group), a charity registered in England and Wales (1085527) and a registered company limited by guarantee in England and Wales (04133242). Allergic reactions to nuts are caused by the proteins found in specific tree nuts. People who are at risk of anaphylaxis are prescribed adrenaline in injectable form. Allergy UK, British Allergy Foundation. The few reactions to coconut are allergy just to it, unrelated to tree nut allergy. Allergy UK is the operational name of The British Allergy Foundation, a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales, ... nut allergy Chestnut, coconut, water chestnut, nutmeg, butternut squash and pine nuts are NOT types of nuts • Infants with eczema and/or an egg Once you’re cleared to enjoy coconut, here are a few recipes to get you started. According to the FDA, coconut is a tree nut. It is unrefined and is therefore considered more likely to present an allergy risk for people allergic to coconut. Two people allergic to walnuts were found to react to coconuts due to a cross-reacting protein. ↑ About Anaphylaxis. Coconut can be bought fresh or as coconut milk, coconut water, creamed coconut or desiccated coconut.  It can be used as an ingredient in baking, ice cream, breakfast cereals and confectionary.  It is widely used in South-East Asian cooking. The most common nut allergy is to peanut (also known as groundnut, earth nut or monkey nut), followed by cashew nut and brazil nut. The general concensus is that allergy to coconut is very rare and has nothing to do with treenut/peanut. No harm, no foul. Still, coconut allergy appears rare, and uncommon even among those with tree nut allergies. This is also confirmed by the Food Allergy Research & Education Network (FARE). Even the Library of Congress tackled this hot topic and concluded that the coconut can be classified as a nut, a fruit or a seed according to their loose definitions. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), while it’s possible to have an allergic reaction to coconut, most people who are allergic to tree nuts can safely eat coconut. Oil and extracts of coconut are used in some cosmetics and toiletries especially in soaps, hand gels, shampoos and hair conditioners. When she isn't hunched over her laptop with a baby in hand, you will find her cooking her grandmother’s recipes, lacing up her running shoes or sipping coffee in the bathroom to hide from her three young children. 2, 4. Coconuts are a delicious, versatile fruit enjoyed all over the world. 3. Diagnosis and Treatment Coconut allergy is usually diagnosed by a medical doctor (allergist) after a medical history, physical examination, and food allergy … Shea Nut, Argan nut, and coconut are commonly used in skin and hair products. So why are coconuts on the FDA’s tree-nut allergen list? Food Allergy Research & Education. Allergy 57(2):182-3. Whether light and sweet or rich and savory, coconut adds unique flavor and crisp texture to some of our favorite dishes. Updated on January 10, 2020. Therefore, there is no general recommendation that patients with tree nut allergy should avoid coconut. Coconut is not a botanical nut; it is classified as a fruit, even though the Food and Drug Administration recognizes coconut as a tree nut. GU14 6BU. The best way to prevent an allergic reaction is to identify the food that causes the allergy … Because coconuts are not considered a “botanical nut,” the ACAAI considers them to be a fruit. Coconut is not a nut; it’s a part of the palm tree family, but according to recent studies performed by the FDA, people with tree nut allergies may have an allergic reaction to products that contain coconuts. This can be confusing for some, as coconuts are not typically considered to be nuts and there are few instances of people being allergic to both true tree nuts and coconuts. If you believe you are allergic to coconut, this should be reported to your GP, who can either arrange a test if he or she is qualified to do so or refer you to an allergy clinic for testing. Coconut Is Not A Nut, But It Is On The Tree-Nut Allergen List Coconut, an uncommon food allergen, is actually the fruit (seed) of coconut palm trees. Two people allergic to walnuts were found to react to coconuts due to a cross-reacting protein. Foods. As ggirl says, coconuts are not treated as nuts for allergy purposes. There’s just one hitch—it’s now classified as a tree nut. The Texas-based Coconut Coalition of American (CCA) … Coconuts ( Cocos nucifera) are tree nuts and may be a concern for people who have allergies to other nuts. Many cases of food allergy are mild but, in a few people, an allergic reaction can be life-threatening. Anaphylaxis to coconut. A tree nut allergy is a hypersensitivity to dietary substances from tree nuts and edible tree seeds causing an overreaction of the immune system which may lead to severe physical symptoms. A case of coconut allergy Allergy 58(8):825-826.. 2003 PUBMEDID: 12859570; Rosado A, Fernandez-Rivas M, Gonzalez-Mancebo E, Leon F, Campos C, Tejedor MA. Coconuts grow on trees and are called a nut, but they are not tree nuts nor are they much of an allergen. Most with tree nut allergy do have the green light to eat coconut.” This must be carried at all times so that an injection can be given if a severe reaction occurs. American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, confirmed by the Food Allergy Research & Education Network, Coconut Mango Bread Pudding with Rum Sauce, Chocolate-Glazed Coconut Almond Cheesecake, How to Get Grease Off Walls in Your Kitchen, Do Not Sell My Personal Information – CA Residents. 6. Nut allergy Page 1 What is a nut allergy? The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) consider coconut to be a tree nut, but it is officially a fruit. The botanical distance between coconuts and tree nuts would suggest that people with tree nut allergy should be able to tolerate coconut and studies have shown that this is generally true. These allergy-free treats are always safe winners. Officially peanut is not actually a nut, it belongs Coconut is still technically considered a fruit, but the FDA grayed those lines. While allergic reactions to coconut have been documented, most people who are allergic to tree nuts can safely eat coconut. Therefore, there is no general recommendation that patients with tree nut allergy should avoid coconut. Despite its name, coconut is not a nut but a type of fruit known as a drupe. If you or your child has a severe tree nut allergy, it’s still a good idea to … It is difficult to assess the risk of coconut allergy among those with tree nut allergies because allergic individuals may become wary of coconut and avoid it. As it is cold-pressed, and therefore unrefined, it should be avoided by people allergic to coconut. This is also confirmed by the Food Allergy Research & Education Network (FARE). Food Allergy Research & Education. Rare exceptions have been reported in scientific research papers. Tree nuts include, but are not limited to, almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, chestnuts, filberts/hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, pistachios, shea nuts and walnuts. Anaphylaxis Campaign welcomes ‘Natasha’s Law’, For Parents and Carers of Severely Allergic Children, For Families and Carers of Pre-School Children, Always Carry Two Adrenaline Auto-Injectors. However, just because you are allergic to other tree nuts like cashews or almonds doesn't necessarily mean that you also have an allergy to … Nut allergy is one of the most common types of food allergy in both children and adults. Taste of Home is America's #1 cooking magazine. But the coconut is a member of the palm family and only distantly related to tree nuts. Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy. 5, 7. 1 – 2 in every 100 children have a nut allergy. 1 Alexandra Road All Myroo Skincare products are natural, organic, vegan and 100% plant based, free from gluten , nut and dairy. If you are allergic to tree nuts, talk to your allergist before adding coconut to your diet. American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Oral allergy syndrome generally doesn't cause severe symptoms, and it's possible to deactivate the allergens by thoroughly cooking any fruit and vegetables. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link, your cost will be the same but Allergic Princess will automatically receive a small commission. Products that come into contact with the skin that contain a food allergen should be avoided in those with a food allergy to that food ingredient. Should people with tree nut allergy avoid coconut? When the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified coconut as a tree nut in 2006, folks were understandably confused. If you wish to know the sources we used in producing any of our information products, please let us know, and we will gladly supply details. While the ins and outs of coconut classifications may put us non-botanists in a daze, it’s a crucial decision for anyone with a tree nut allergy. ↑ Peanut Allergy. It … There are likely to be other uses for coconut. Is coconut a nut? ↑ Peanut and Tree Nut Allergy. Coconut is a member of the palm family and only distantly related to tree nuts. Let’s crack open this one. Because coconuts are not considered a “botanical nut,” the ACAAI considers them to be a fruit. If you or your child has a severe tree nut allergy, it’s still a good idea to talk with your allergist before adding coconut to your diet. A nut allergy is when the body reacts abnormally to the proteins in nuts. Coconut A very common food nowadays in the allergy environment, used widely in ‘free from’ foods such as dairy-free and vegan yoghurts, milks and cheeses, as well as more generally in baked goods, desserts, sweet, cereals, ice creams and some savoury foods such as curries. Treatment. Reports of allergy to coconut in medical and scientific journals are highly uncommon compared with those reports that focus on tree nuts. For example, coconut is classified as a tree nut in the USA, and as a seed in the UK. 2002 PUBMEDID: 11929430; Kim KT and Hussain H Prevalence of food allergy in 137 latex-allergic patients. Find out how versatile coconut can be with our top 10 recipes. Rare exceptions have been reported in scientific research papers. Coconut, the seed of a drupaceous fruit, has typically not been restricted in the diets of people with a tree nut allergy. In order to confirm this, a separate test to each nut should be carried out.  However, not all NHS laboratories do this as a matter of routine when the test is positive unless they have been specifically asked to do to so. Another person who was allergic to coconut suffered symptoms of oral allergy to several tree nuts. Both peanuts and tree nuts (for example, walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, cashews, pecans, Brazils and pistachios) can act as allergens, and can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Caterers are required by law to be able to provide ingredient information on major food allergens but as these do not include coconut, you will need to ensure that the staff you question understand that you must avoid coconut. It’s important for allergy sufferers to be aware that coconut is not universally placed in a single allergy category. Medical literature documents a small number of allergic reactions to coconut; most occurred in people who were not allergic to tree nuts. Coconut doesn’t just have incredible health benefits; it’s also a wonderful ingredient to use topically. A member of the Anaphylaxis Campaign reported finding coconut oil to be an ingredient used to cook crisps in France. The term for a severe allergic reaction is anaphylaxis. And, by all rights, a food that grows on trees and contains the word “nut” as its third syllable feels appropriately named. Technically, coconut is not a botanical nut, but is a one seeded drupe, or a one seeded fruit. 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