Peach Allergy in Children

2013-11-29 15:23:36

Food allergies and intolerances have far reaching effects on kids’ health. Some common allergens include peanuts, dairy, and eggs. A recent study examines the impact of a lesser known food allergen, peach. According to the authors, peach allergy is the main cause of fruit or vegetable-based food allergy in the Mediterranean area. The protein called Pru p3 is the major allergen, and it is mainly found in the peach peel.

This study assessed whether children with peach allergies are able to tolerate peach pulp (peeled peach). The study assessed the frequency of tolerance to peach pulp in children suffering from allergic reactions after eating or having contact with peach. Fifty-seven children with average age 7.4 years were included in the study. Skin prick tests were performed with peach peel and pulp, as well as isolated peach proteins. Oral food challenges (OFCs) with peach pulp were performed on all but one child.

Eighty-eight percent of the children had positive prick tests with peach peel, 35% with peach pulp, and 88% with the peach protein LTP. The presence of IgE antibodies (IgE) to peach was demonstrated in 100% of the patients, with rPru p3-specific IgE in 96%. The study found that more than 90% of the children with peach allergy were able to tolerate peeled peach.

Peach allergy has been linked to oral allergy syndrome as well as systemic reactions such as hives and chronic urticarial in children.^(2,3) It appears that a large number of these children may be able to tolerate peeled peach.