Quinoa has become a popular and nutritious food choice. While generally well-received, some individuals experience adverse reactions after consuming it.
How Common is Quinoa Allergy
Quinoa allergy is rare compared to common food allergies like peanuts or dairy. Despite increasing popularity, the incidence of genuine allergic reactions remains low. Quinoa is not among the most prevalent food allergens.
What Quinoa Allergy Looks Like
An allergic reaction to quinoa can manifest in various ways. Skin reactions may include hives, itching, eczema, or a rash. Some individuals might experience swelling of the lips, face, or tongue, along with an itchy mouth or throat.
Respiratory symptoms can involve nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath. Gastrointestinal issues, such as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, may also occur. In severe instances, a quinoa allergy can lead to anaphylaxis, characterized by difficulty breathing, a rapid pulse, low blood pressure, dizziness, or loss of consciousness, requiring immediate medical attention. Symptoms typically appear rapidly after consuming quinoa.
Allergy Versus Sensitivity to Quinoa
Distinguishing between an IgE-mediated allergy and a food sensitivity or intolerance to quinoa is key. An allergy involves an immune system response, specifically the production of IgE antibodies to quinoa proteins. A food sensitivity or intolerance involves digestive upset, not an immune response.
Quinoa naturally contains saponins in its outer coating. These can cause digestive issues like stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea if not thoroughly rinsed. Such reactions are often mistaken for an allergy but are less severe and not life-threatening. Proper rinsing removes most saponins, preventing these symptoms.
What in Quinoa Causes Reactions
Allergic reactions to quinoa are triggered by specific proteins. Primary allergens for IgE-mediated responses are 11S globulins and 2S albumins. These storage proteins can induce an immune response.
Research indicates quinoa proteins, particularly 11S globulins, can induce allergic reactions. They exhibit cross-reactivity with allergens in other foods, including peanuts and tree nuts, due to shared protein structures. Saponins can cause digestive irritation but are not the cause of IgE-mediated allergic reactions.
Steps to Take for a Quinoa Allergy
If a quinoa allergy is suspected, consult a healthcare professional or allergist for diagnosis. Methods include a detailed clinical history, skin prick tests, or specific IgE blood tests for quinoa proteins. An oral food challenge might be recommended to confirm the allergy.
Managing a diagnosed quinoa allergy involves strict avoidance of quinoa and products containing it. Read food labels, as quinoa can be an ingredient in processed foods like flours, soups, or vegetarian dishes. Inform others about the allergy to prevent accidental exposure. For accidental severe reactions, an epinephrine auto-injector may be necessary.