Palm oil Allergy

Palm oil usually do not cause Allergy

Will palm oil cause Allergy ?

Palm oil allergy is very uncommon. Palm oil is a type of edible vegetable oil that is derived from the palm fruit. These days, palm oil is grown throughout Africa, Asia, America.

Palm oil is one of the most commonly used vegetable oils in the world. It is used in different products such as bread, cookies, instant noodles, and chocolate. It is also used in other home products including lipstick and detergent.

Palm oil is likely to be non allergenic or minimally allergenic.

However if an individual having symptoms of allergies after taking palm oil he should avoidance it. Total avoidance may be very difficult.

If a person is experienced severe allergic reaction to palm oil or product containing palm oil he must contact the manufacturer. He must report the incidence and also contact an allergist to take opinion. As per Dr Monojit Mondal, MD, DCH, DAA, Pediatrician and allergist in his experience has seen one case of probable palm oil anaphylaxis.  However the patient not attended follow up till date. The patient was prescribed some antihistamines when the patient having mild allergic reaction and was advised not to take palm oil. Patient however thought that  he recovered from palm oil allergy and ate palm oil containing product. Then he experienced an  episode of anaphylaxis.

Point to be remembered in managing Food Allergy

Avoidance of the offending food is the best way to prevent food allergy. One must know the causative food to which he is allergic. A person with food allergy must be cautious when eating in  restaurants and in social events.

If you have  food allergy, then follow these steps:

• Know what you’re eating and drinking. Always read the food labels while you eating something.
• If you have already had a severe reaction/anaphylaxis, wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace that will alert others and you have a food allergy.
• Have an action plan ready. Always have a action plan of your food allergy.
• Have an Epinephrine / Adrenaline Autoinjector with you.
• Be careful while eating at restaurants.
• Plan your meals and snacks before leaving home.

If your child has food allergy, you must follow few steps to ensure your child is safe:

• Always notify key people about the child’s food allergy. Inform your child care providers, school personnel, parents of your child’s friends and other adults who regularly interact with your child. Tell them that food allergy may be life threatening and may require urgent intervention to save life of the child.
• Explain food allergy symptoms to persons who spend time with the child.
• Have a written action plan.This plan should include the appropriate management strategies to care the child in case of food allergy and in emergency case of anaphylaxis.
• Have your child wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace to display that he/she has Food Allergy.