Patients with a nut allergy do not always have to be allergic to all nuts

Even if you suffer from a nut allergy, you may be able to eat certain nuts
Many people around the world suffer from a nut allergy. The consumption of nuts should be avoided by those affected and can lead to serious health effects. Researchers have now discovered that nut allergy does not automatically mean that people who are ill are allergic to all kinds of nuts.

Researchers at the University of Michigan Medical School found in an investigation that nut allergic people are not necessarily allergic to all nuts. It may well be that those affected can eat certain types of nuts without endangering their lives and health. The physicians published the results of their study in the journal "Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology".

Nuts taste good and are healthy. Unfortunately, there are quite a few people with an allergy to nuts. Recent research has shown that nut allergy does not necessarily mean that sufferers are allergic to all types of nuts. (Image: juliasudnitskaya / fotolia.com)

Over 50 percent of people with tree nut allergy were not allergic to other nuts
The current research concluded that out of 109 tested people with a nut allergy to so-called tree nuts such as walnuts, hazelnuts and cashews, more than 50 percent did not have an allergic reaction to other types of nuts, experts say. For those with an allergy to peanuts (which are legumes and not nuts), the researchers found that hardly anyone was allergic to tree nuts. In fact, peanuts are also part of the legumes and not the nuts.

Previous tests have sometimes yielded incorrect results
The scientists found that there are some problems in previous tests (skin or blood test) that lead to false or inaccurate results. A positive skin test or altered blood samples after eating a nut does not always mean a true allergy, explains the author. Christopher Couch.

Oral use may give different results than blood and skin tests
The experts discovered that although the participants were allergic to certain nuts and showed sensitivity to so-called tree nuts in blood and skin tests, more than half of those affected did not respond after oral consumption. Individuals should perform an oral self-test only under the supervision of a specialist, the researchers warn. It is by no means recommended that such a procedure be conducted on its own, the authors add.

Skin tests and blood tests are not 100 percent reliable
Skin tests and blood tests in people with food allergies are not completely reliable and may lead to false positive test results Couch. A so-called oral nutritional test is the most objective test that can determine if a patient is allergic or tolerant of certain foods.

Further research is needed
However, more research is needed to confirm the findings, the researchers explain. Nonetheless, people should always keep in mind that, even though they may eat nuts without health effects, they should not buy mixed varieties of nuts when buying nuts. (As)