This is simplified information about 7S 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 7S seed storage proteins?

7S seed storage proteins are also known as vicilin and these terms are often used interchangeably.

They are globulin proteins involved in the hydration processes in plant cells and are important for breakdown during germination.

7S 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 7S seed storage proteins found in?

In the top 14 foods, peanuts, cashews, pecan, hazelnut, soya beans, walnut, pistachio, macadamia nuts, sesame and lupin all contain 7S seed storage proteins.

Fruits and vegetables containing these proteins are coconut, mung beans and peas.

7S seed storage proteins are also found in buckwheat, quinoa, amaranth, chia seeds, fenugreek, hemp, chickpea and lentils.

What symptoms can 7S seed storage proteins cause?

Allergy to foods containing 7S 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 7S seed storage proteins different from 2S and 11S seed storage proteins?

Many of the foods containing 7S seed storage proteins will also contain 2S and 11S 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.

7S 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 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.

How Cross Reactive are 7S albumin proteins?

7S 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.

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