Key Allergens

The allergens in kiwi are called Act d 1, Act d 2 to Act d 13.

Those suffering from allergy to the fruit are most likely reacting to Act d 1, 2, 5 and 6.

Act d 8 is a Bet v 1 like protein associated with Pollen-Food Syndrome, so those allergic to this protein may suffer Oral Allergy Syndrome symptoms to a group of related foods.

Act d 11 is a kiwi protein which is a major latex protein/ripening-related protein and is therefore linked to latex allergy.

Syndromes

Kiwi allergy is often seen in conjunction with allergies to other foods, either presenting as Pollen-Food Allergy Syndrome or Latex Food Syndrome.

You may have Pollen-Food Allergy Syndrome if you suffer from kiwi allergy with oral allergy symptoms to 3 or more of the foods mentioned in cross reactivity section.

Kiwi allergy has been linked to Latex Food Syndrome, which is caused by the body confusing the proteins it encounters in food to that of latex proteins to which it is already sensitised.

Cross Reactivity

Some of the linked allergies are in foods which contain high levels of chitinase, like chestnuts, banana, avocados, papaya, pomegranate, corn (maize) and tomatoes.

If sensitised to Birch pollen you may have Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome and may also react to Apple, Pear, Peach, Plum, Nectarine, Apricots, Cherries, Tomato, Celery, Carrot, Potato, Parsnip, Pepper, Dill, Cumin, Peas, Coriander, Fennel, Hazelnut, Walnut, Almonds, Peanuts, Lentils and Beans