Coconuts are part of the Aracaceae family of plants and are more similar to palm plants, banana and pineapple than they are to tree nuts.

Coc n 1 is a major allergen associated with allergy to coconut - it is classified as an inhalent allergen rather than an ingested food allergen. It is a protein which is vicilin like, these types of proteins are usually found in nuts, seeds and legumes.

There is some evidence that coconut can cause contact dermatitis rashes - this is due to cocamide diethanolamine (Cocamide DEA). These are fatty acids found in coconut which are used in many cosmetic products. If sensitised to cocamide DEA you will still be able to eat the fruit from a coconut without any reactions.

Coconut allergy is most commonly associated with contact urticaria (hives or welts) and atopic dermatitis.

Vicilin-like proteins are usually classified as food proteins, other foods containing a similarly shaped protein are peanuts, cashews, pecan, hazelnut, walnut, pistachio, soya beans, sesame seeds, buckwheat and mung beans.

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