Leek is a plant in the Amaryllidaceae family of plants. This family also includes chives, garlic and onion.

Like onions and garlic, leeks contain dially disulphide which can cause contact allergic dermatitis.

Leeks are a high 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.

Leeks are one of the few fresh foods which contain a moderate amount of sulphites. Sulphites are inorganic salts used in preservations and have the potential to cause symptoms of food intolerance to those sensitive to sulphites, this food intolerance is more common in asthmatics. An improvement in symptoms can be made with a change to a low sulphite diet.

Leeks are low in salicylates, so are suitable for those who are sensitive to them.

You can read more about Food Intolerances on the dedicated Food Intolerance Page.

Dially disulphide in leeks can cause contact allergic dermatitis,

Other plants in the Amaryllidaceae family of plants are garlic, onions and chives. If you suffer from allergic reactions to leeks, you may also react to other plants in this family.

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