DRAGON FRUIT ALLERGY
Key Allergens
Dragon fruits are fruits from plants in the Cactaceae, family of plants which include many species of cacti. The fruits from cacti are also sometimes called pitaya
The seeds in the fruit are the most likely culprits for causing allergic reactions.
Dragon fruits contain profilin proteins and Lipid Transfer Proteins.
The seeds in the fruit are the most likely culprits for causing allergic reactions.
Dragon fruits contain profilin proteins and Lipid Transfer Proteins.
Food Intolerances
Dragon fruits are a low FODMAP food. FODMAP 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.
Dragon fruits are also low 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
Allergy to profilin proteins can be linked to Celery Mugwort Spice Syndrome. This is where a person is sensitised to profilin in plant pollens and subsequently gets oral allergy type symptoms to eating foods which contain the same protein.
People with multiple allergies to foods can sometimes link it to LTP (Lipid Transfer Protein) Syndrome. The symptoms of this condition are usually more severe than CMS Syndrome and can include anaphylaxis.
People with multiple allergies to foods can sometimes link it to LTP (Lipid Transfer Protein) Syndrome. The symptoms of this condition are usually more severe than CMS Syndrome and can include anaphylaxis.
Cross Reactivity
Other foods which contain profilins can include apple, banana, carrot, date, eggplant, fig, grape, hazelnut, kiwi, lychee, mango, mustard, onion, parsley, rice, soya, strawberries and walnuts.
Lipid Transfer Proteins are found in apricot, blueberry, cherry, fig, green beans, kale, lettuce, orange, peach, raspberries and tomato.
Note these food lists are not exhaustive, you can find the most up to date information on the Cross Reactivity Tool.
Lipid Transfer Proteins are found in apricot, blueberry, cherry, fig, green beans, kale, lettuce, orange, peach, raspberries and tomato.
Note these food lists are not exhaustive, you can find the most up to date information on the Cross Reactivity Tool.
Resources
Websites
FODMAP Every Day - Dragon Fruit
Articles and Journals
High pan-allergen content in mango and peach in Taiwan, 2023
Anaphylactic shock due to kiwifruit, 2012
Anaphylactic reaction to (mixed) fruit juice containing dragon fruit, 2009
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