Impact of food allergens on nutritional and health properties of food

 

A food allergy is an adverse health effect caused by exposure to a given food due to an immune response. The health effect of what is known as an allergic reaction occurs because the immune system usually attacks non-harmful food proteins. A food allergy happens when the immune system responds to a harmless food as if it were a threat. The first time a person with a food allergy is exposed to the foods, no symptoms happen, however the main exposure primes the body to retort following time. Allergies can occur when a person eats food again and again.

Food allergens symptoms

Food allergens symptoms can occur in two ways.

·  Immunoglobulin E (IgE) mediated- Immune-boosting immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies are producing symptoms result from the body's immune system. These IgE antibodies react with a specific food.

·  Non-IgE mediated- Other parts of the body's immune system react to certain foods. This response causes symptoms, however is no longer associated with an IgE antibody. Someone can also have IgE-mediated and non-IgE-mediated food allergies.

 

Most common food allergens

There are 160 foods may cause allergic reactions. Out of these 8 foods have been identified as top allergen foods. They are milk, eggs, fish (EX: lobster, crab and shrimp), peanuts, nuts (EX: walnuts, almonds and pecans), soybeans and wheat. These eight foods and any ingredient containing protein derived from one or more of them are named "major food allergies" by the Food Allergy Labeling and Consumer Protection Act.

Allergies from milk – Cow's milk allergy is generally normal in babies and small kids, particularly after they have been presented to cow's milk protein before half year old. It is quite possibly the most well-known youth allergy influencing 2-3% of babies and small kids. Newborn children have genuine cow milk sensitivity, it outcome stomach torment, loose bowels, rectal dying, skin rash, and wheezing. Cow's milk allergy can happen in both IgE and non-IgE structures.

Allergies from eggs - Most of children develop egg allergens by the time they are 5 years old, or by the teen years. Some people develop egg allergies throughout their lives. Hidden egg ingredients are major reason for most egg allergens.

Allergies from wheat- Wheat allergies are most often reported in young children and usually develop before adulthood. If person has a wheat allergy, the protein in wheat binds to IgE antibodies which are made by person's immune system.

Allergies from peanut - An allergic reaction to peanuts normally happens within minutes of exposure. Peanut allergy may leads to skin allergies such as hives, swelling, redness, itching or tingling in the mouth and throat, diarrhea, abdominal pain, sore throat and queasiness.

Nutritional losses in food allergens and affect for human health

Food allergies are well recognized. Nutrition plays a major role in the development, maintenance, and optimal functioning of immune cells. Treatment options include elimination of major food allergens such as milk, eggs, peanut, wheat, soya beans, tree nuts, and fish. People with many food allergies .specially children are at higher risk for malnutrition. Most children improve food allergic reactions in the first two years of life, which is a vital duration of growth and development. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that even though food allergy is more prevalent in kids than in adults, many affected children can “outgrow” food allergies via age. Therefore children and adults can have lack energy, protein, or different macro or micronutrients include nutritional vitamins due to the fact of food allergies. Egg yolks contain huge amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin. Lack of lutein and zeaxanthin increases cataract removal and eye deterioration.

Fatty fish also boast of omega-3 fatty acids, which are vital for optimal body and brain function and are strongly linked to reducing the risk of many diseases. Therefore, the lack of these omega-3 fatty acids leads to poor growth and development in children. Fish nutrients are important for adults to improve eyesight and mental health with age. Soybeans are a rich source of plant-based proteins and fats. Soybeans have high fiber content, and adequate fiber content affects intestinal health. Soybeans contain more isotopes than other common food and these isotopes are unique phytonutrients similar to the sex hormone estrogen. Lack of fiber leads to an increase in heart disease . Eating a high-fiber diet can fill you up and prevent overeating. Wheat contains a protein called gluten, which is highly controversial. Gluten can have a detrimental effect on health in people with gluten intolerance.

Written by

Didulani Nawoda Prabhamini

Undergraduate

Department of Civil and Environmental Technology

University of Sri Jayewardenepura