CUMIN ALLERGY
Key Allergens
Cumin is a plant in the Apiaceae family of plants which also includes dill, celery, coriander and parsley. The seeds of the plant are dried and ground to make the spice cumin.
Allergic reactions are most likely to be caused by Bet v 1-like proteins, which cause reactions in people sensitised to birch tree pollen and give oral allergy type symptoms.
Plants in the Apiaceae family contain profilin proteins which can cause allergic reactions in uncommon circumstances.
Cumin should be safe for most people who suffer from peanut allergies as the main allergens in peanut are seed storage proteins.
Allergic reactions are most likely to be caused by Bet v 1-like proteins, which cause reactions in people sensitised to birch tree pollen and give oral allergy type symptoms.
Plants in the Apiaceae family contain profilin proteins which can cause allergic reactions in uncommon circumstances.
Cumin should be safe for most people who suffer from peanut allergies as the main allergens in peanut are seed storage proteins.
Food Intolerances
Cumin is a food high in salicylates, so has the potential to cause gastrointestinal food intolerance symptoms in people who are sensitive to salicylates.
Cumin is a low histamine and FODMAP food. FODMAP stands for Fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols. Foods high in FODMAPs can cause symptoms of food intolerance, affeting the gastro intestinal system and this can be mistaken for a true IgE food allergy.
Associated Syndromes
Allergy to cumin is loosely linked to Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome. You may have Pollen-Food Allergy Syndrome if you suffer from cumin allergy with oral allergy symptoms to 3 or more of the foods mentioned in the cross reactivity section.
Cross Reactivity
If sensitised to birch tree pollen you may have Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome and may also react to almond, aniseed, apple, apricot, carrot, celery, cherry, chestnut, dill, fenugreek, fig, hazelnut, jackfruit, kiwi, melon, mung bean, parsley, parsnip, peach, peanut, pear, persimmon, plum, poppy seeds, raspberry, soya, strawberry, tomato and walnut.
Cumin is in the family Apiaceae, other spices in this family are dill, celery, coriander, carrot, fennel, parsnip, parsley and aniseed.
Cumin is in the family Apiaceae, other spices in this family are dill, celery, coriander, carrot, fennel, parsnip, parsley and aniseed.
Resources
Websites
Healthline - Salicylate Sensitivity
Articles and Journals
Oral Allergy Syndrome Due to a Hidden Allergen in Mojo, 2020
Oral allergy syndrome–the need of a multidisciplinary approach, 2014
Characterization of allergens in Apiaceae spices: anise, fennel, coriander and cumin, 2006
Spice allergy in celery‐sensitive patients, 1991
Cumin anaphylaxis: A case report, 1987
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