Lupin: An emerging food allergen in the United States

Department

Allergy and Immunology

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology

Abstract

Food allergies are on the rise and becoming a global concern. 1 Common food allergens are well recognized and have been studied extensively in the United States and Europe. However, there is a gradual emergence of new food allergens, such as lupin, which are neither as well characterized nor as well studied. Lupin is a legume, known as the genus Lupinus , and white lupin is the form typically used by the food industry, whereas yellow and blue lupin are primarily found in animal feed. 2 Most people are unaware of lupin's allergenic potential, including possible cross-reactivity with peanut. 3 In Europe, cases of lupin allergy were described after lupin was introduced in food products. 3 Lupin is slowly being introduced into more products in the United States. We describe 2 cases of lupin allergy, highlighting the fact that this emergent food allergy can present both independently (without a prior history of food allergy) and in association with established food allergies, especially peanut. In our view, lupin is an important emerging food allergen, necessitating increased awareness among allergy and immunology specialists about what is known and unknown with regard to its natural history, allergenic proteins, and potential cross-reactivity. This knowledge will allow better diagnosis and patient education .

First Page

8

Last Page

10

DOI

10.1016/j.anai.2018.09.467

Volume

122

Issue

1

Publication Date

1-1-2019

Medical Subject Headings

Allergens (immunology); Child; Child, Preschool; Cross Reactions (immunology); Food Hypersensitivity (diagnosis, immunology); Humans; Lupinus (immunology); Male; Peanut Hypersensitivity (immunology); Plant Proteins (immunology); United States

PubMed ID

30292799

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