Abstract

The rising demand for sustainable diets has led to an increased consumption of alternative protein sources. While ecologically promising, these foods may pose new allergenic risks. We surveyed 127 European allergy experts regarding their clinical perception towards emerging allergenic food sources. Allergic reactions to non-priority allergenic foods were most frequently reported for legumes (83%), followed by hemp (33%), edible insects (21%), and jackfruit (20%). Experts highlighted risks related to cross-reactivity, particularly between edible insects and crustaceans or house dust mites, and between non-priority legumes and peanut, soy, or lupine. Legumes other than peanut, soy, and lupine, as well as edible insects and hempseeds/cannabis, were also rated as most clinically relevant for future practice. Experts also noted rising symptoms due to changes in pollen exposure and insect distribution linked to climate change. Our data underscore the need for the diagnosis of emerging allergenic sources.

Author Details

Authors

• Lea Faust¹
• Sabine Dölle-Bierke¹
• Veronika Höfer¹,²
• Margitta Worm¹

Departments

• ¹ Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department Dermatology, Venereology and Allergy, Campus Charité Mitte, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany, and
• ² Division of Allergy, University Children’s Hospital and Children’s Research Center, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland

Address

Prof. Dr. med. Margitta Worm, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergy, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
Email: [email protected]

Citation