BLACKCURRANT ALLERGY
Key Allergens
Blackcurrant is a fruit in the Grossulariaceae family of plants, it is also sometimes known as cassis. Other plants in this family include gooseberry and redcurrants. These are all very closely related berries, all of the genus Ribes.
Like other berries, blackcurrants are high in Vitamin C (also known as Ascorbic Acid), so eating a lot of the fruit can result in gastrointestinal symptoms which can look like a food intolerance.
There is a study showing redcurrants containing Lipid Transfer Proteins, so it is likely that gooseberries and blackcurrants also contain these proteins as they are so closely related.
Like other berries, blackcurrants are high in Vitamin C (also known as Ascorbic Acid), so eating a lot of the fruit can result in gastrointestinal symptoms which can look like a food intolerance.
There is a study showing redcurrants containing Lipid Transfer Proteins, so it is likely that gooseberries and blackcurrants also contain these proteins as they are so closely related.
Food Intolerances
Blackcurrant are a low FODMAP food when eaten in normal small portions. stands for Fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols. Foods high in FODMAPs can cause symptoms of food intolerance, affecting the gastro intestinal system and this can be mistaken for a true IgE food allergy.
Blackcurrants are a food high in salicylates. Salicylates have the potential to cause worsening of asthma, swelling, itching and hives as well as food intolerance symptoms in people who are sensitive to salicylates.
You can read more about Food Intolerances on the dedicated Food Intolerance Page.
Associated Syndromes
As they may contain Lipid Transfer Proteins, blackcurrants may be linked to LTP Syndrome, which is where you suffer from allergic reactions to most foods which contain LTP Proteins.
Cross Reactivity
There is a possibility of cross reactivity with other currants in the Grossulariaceae family of plants.
Other foods which contain LTPs include almond, apple, blueberry, brocolli, cabbage, goji berry, kiwi, lemon, lettuce, orange, pea, peach, peanut, plums, raspberries, walnuts and wheat.
Please note that this food list is not exhaustive, please visit the Cross Reactivity tool page for the most up to date information about food allergens.
Other foods which contain LTPs include almond, apple, blueberry, brocolli, cabbage, goji berry, kiwi, lemon, lettuce, orange, pea, peach, peanut, plums, raspberries, walnuts and wheat.
Please note that this food list is not exhaustive, please visit the Cross Reactivity tool page for the most up to date information about food allergens.
Resources
Websites
Allergen Encyclopedia - Currants
Anaphylaxis Campaign - Allergy to Fruit
Articles and Journals
Lipid transfer protein allergy: characterization and comparison to birch-related food allergy, 2022
Geographic Variability of Berry Phytochemicals with Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties, 2022
Analysis and Sensory Evaluation of Gooseberry (Ribes uva crispa L.) Volatiles, 2013
Currant allergy and the Rosaceae-grass pollen allergy syndrome: a case report, 2007
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, Instagram or Twitter - links at the bottom of the page.