This is simplified information about 11S seed storage proteins – there are more resources available at the bottom of the page for further reading for those who are interested in knowing more.

What are 11S seed storage proteins?

11S seed storage proteins are also known as legumin and these terms are often used interchangeably. They are strongly associated with nut and seed allergies.

They are globulin proteins involved in storage of nutrients in the plant.

11S seed storage proteins belong to the cupin superfamily which include a wide range of enzymes as well as 7S and 11S seed storage proteins.

What foods are 11S seed storage proteins found in?

In the top 14 foods, almonds, brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnut, macadamia nuts, mustard, peanuts, pecan, pistachio, sesame, soya beans and walnuts all contain 11S seed storage proteins.

Fruits and vegetables containing these proteins are kiwi, sichuan pepper, green bean and pumpkin.

11S seed storage proteins are also found in sunflower seeds, quinoa, amaranth, chia seeds, pink peppercorn, fenugreek and hemp seeds.

You can download a Seed Storage Protein Factsheet from the Allergy Resources Ko-fi Shop for just $0.90 (£0.69 or €0.82). This has up to date information on which foods contain linked allergens and what to avoid if you think you are allergic to seed storage proteins.

If you are interested in which foods contain which allergenic proteins you can visit the Food Allergy Tool Page.

What symptoms can 11S seed storage proteins cause?

Allergy to foods containing 11S seed storage proteins have a wide range of symptoms and severity including urticaria (hives or welts), angioedema (swelling under the skin), nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting or breathlessness and anaphylactic shock.

Are 11S seed storage proteins different from 2S and 7S seed storage proteins?

Many of the foods containing 11S seed storage proteins will also contain 2S and 7S seed storage proteins. 7S and 11S seed storage proteins are globulins and 2S seed storage proteins are albumins. Globulins are storage proteins found most often in legumes and albumins are water soluble proteins found more often in nuts and seeds.

11S refers to the sedimentation co-efficient of the protein (a measure of how quickly the protein sediments in a centrifuge). These three proteins look similar but they have differing chemical compositions.

A Table of Cross Reactivity between 2S, 7S and 11S seed storage proteins

You can download a Nuts and Seed Proteins Chart from my KOFI page for just 25p!

How Cross Reactive are 11S albumin proteins?

11S seed storage proteins in many foods all look very similar, but it is not guaranteed that an allergy to one food will result in cross reactivity with another.

Science Direct – Cupin Superfamily

Science Direct – Legumin

Science Direct – What are Storage Proteins?

Crystal structure of hetero hexameric 11S seed storage protein of hazelnut, 2024

Research progress in soybean lipophilic protein (LP): Extraction, structural, techno-functional properties, and high-performance food applications, 2024

Seed Storage Protein, Functional Diversity and Association with Allergy, 2023

11S globulin identified as a new bean allergen, 2023

Seed Storage Proteins, 2S Albumin And 11S Globulin, Associated to Severe Allergic Reactions after Flaxseed Intake , 2022

2S albumins and 11S globulins, two storage proteins involved in pumpkin seeds allergy, 2021

Current perspectives on tree nut allergy: a review, 2018

Fruit allergies: Beware of the seed allergens! 2018

Vicilin and the basic subunit of legumin are putative chickpea allergens, 2013

Seed storage proteins of the globulin family are cleaved post-translationally in wheat embryos, 2012

Optimization of extraction and isolation for 11S and 7S globulins of soybean seed storage protein, 2007

Isolation and identification of an 11S globulin as a new major allergen in mustard seeds, 2005

Identification of an 11S globulin as a major hazelnut food allergen in hazelnut-induced systemic reactions, 2002

Let me know if you found any of these interesting or useful. If you spot an article or research that you think is interesting you can message me or tag me on Facebook or Twitter - links at the bottom of the page.