RADISH ALLERGY
Key Allergens
Radishes are edible roots in the Brassicaceae family of plants. Other plants in this family include broccoli, cabbage, wasabi and rapeseed.
Horseradish is in the same family of plants, but is made from a completely different plant.
Radish contains isothiocyanates which cause the heat sensation you feel when you eat it - this is not to be mistaken with an allergic reaction. Isothiocyanate is also found in horseradishes, wasabi, garlic and mustard seeds.
Radish pollen can cause allergic rhinitis, most commonly in those people that plant, pick and process the vegetable.
Horseradish is in the same family of plants, but is made from a completely different plant.
Radish contains isothiocyanates which cause the heat sensation you feel when you eat it - this is not to be mistaken with an allergic reaction. Isothiocyanate is also found in horseradishes, wasabi, garlic and mustard seeds.
Radish pollen can cause allergic rhinitis, most commonly in those people that plant, pick and process the vegetable.
Food Intolerances
Radishes 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.
Radishes are a food high in salicylates. Salicylates have the potential to cause gastrointestinal 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
Radish is associated with contact allergic dermatitis from isothiocyanates if they come into contact with the skin.
Radish pollen is associated with allergic rhinitis (hayfever).
Radish pollen is associated with allergic rhinitis (hayfever).
Cross Reactivity
Radishes are in the Brassicaceae family, so there may be some cross reactivity between these foods, which include rapeseed (canola), brocolli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, kohlrabi, swede, turnip, wasabi, cress, mustard and horseradish.
Resources
Websites
Articles and Journals
Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome Caused by Japanese Radish: A Case Report, 2023
Common allergens in patients of allergic rhinitis in Gandaki province of Nepal, 2022
A Case of Anaphylaxis Induced by Contact with Young Radish (Raphanus sativus L), 2015
Occupational Pollinosis Induced by Radish and Chinese Cabbage Pollens, 2004
Allergic contact dermatitis from the radish, Raphanus sativus, 1974
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