Coconuts are part of the Aracaceae family of plants so are more similar to palm plants, banana and pineapple than they are to tree nuts. There is little evidence that coconut should be avoided if you suffer from a nut allergy.
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.
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.
There are no syndromes associated with coconut allergy.
There is limited evidence of cross reactivity with walnuts and lentils.
Anaphylaxis Campaign - Coconut
Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology & Allergy - Coconut
Allergy information for: Coconut (Cocos nucifera)
Anaphylaxis and allergy to coconut: An Australian pediatric case series, 2020
Coconut Allergy Revisited, 2017
Allergic contact dermatitis caused by cocamide diethanolamine, 2016
Occupational allergic contact dermatitis caused by coconut fatty acids diethanolamide, 2014
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