Wasabi, also called Japanese Horseradish, is a plant in the Brassicaceae family, also called brassicas. Other plants in this family include cabbage, broccoli, radish and cress.

Wasabi root 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 other horseradishes, garlic and mustard seeds.

There are a few case studies of allergic reactions to wasabi and the offending allergen has not yet been correctly identified due to the small amount of cases. The most likely candidates are defensin proteins, profilin proteins or PR-10 proteins, commonly referred to as Bet v 1 proteins. The latter is the protein associated with Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome which causes oral allergy type symptoms.

Although fresh wasabi does not contain sulphites when it is packaged and processed it will contain sulphites as preservatives. Sulphites are inorganic salts 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.

Wasabi is a low FODMAP food. FODMAP FODMAPstands 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.

Wasabi is 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.

Wasabi is associated with contact allergic dermatitis from isothiocyanates if they come into contact with the skin.

Wasabi is also considered to be linked in some cases to Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome.

Other plants in the Brassicaea family are canola (rapeseed), broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, kohlrabi, swede, turnip, cress, radish and mustard. If you are allergic to may of these foods then there is a possibility you will also be unable to eat wasabi.

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