Interesting article about a peanut which is a legume.

This is interesting to me because my daughter is allergic to peanuts which are a legume but not to peas and beans.  What's up with that?  Why just peanuts the most deadly food allergy?

The most common legume allergy is to peanuts, but the legume family is broad and allergies can occur with other members of this family.

It’s important to know the symptoms of this allergy in case you or a member of your family is experiencing a health episode related to that food allergy.

What are legumes?

Peanuts, of course. Also peas, soy beans (tofu), beans and lentils can be the source of a legume allergy. Lupine, found in European flour products, can also provoke a reaction.

What does a mild reaction look like?

A mild reaction may present as an itchy feeling in the mouth, red blotching in the face and stomach cramping. The itching is a result of a histamine response typical of allergies. There may also be a reaction due to a missing critical enzyme necessary for proper digestion of peanuts and other legumes. This will cause the stomach distress.

How does that differ from a severe reaction?

A severe reaction might include vomiting, diarrhea and severe rash. This happens because the body is attacking the legume proteins as if they were a threat or toxin. The body is attempting to purge the offenders.

If this happens, get medical attention immediately. If the episode is extremely severe, anaphylactic shock could occur and this is a life-threatening event. Anaphylactic shock, or anaphylaxis, will include a tightening of the chest and difficulty breathing. There will be a rapid pulse, dizziness, fainting, swelling of the tongue and/or throat and a dramatic change in blood pressure.

Can legume allergies be cured or prevented?

The short answer is no. There is no cure for allergies. However, with diligence, dangerous reactions can be avoided. If you suspect an allergy, see your doctor about getting tested to find out for sure. Then you will know if you need to avoid legumes, and what type, in the future to protect your health.

For severe allergies, you may need to carry an epinephrine injector. While this may seem inconvenient, it is a life-saving device and can give you the confidence and freedom to enjoy life knowing you are prepared in case the worst happens.

Source: eHow, WebMD

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Another food item my daughter will have to cut from her diet because of cross contamination

Allergy Alert: Kellogg’s Nutri Grain Soft Bakes Contain Peanuts And Almond Flour

by ADMIN May 10, 2013

An alert reader who relies on Nutri Grain cereal bars as a safe peanut and nut free snack (as do I) recently alerted me to the fact that Nutri Grain now has a product that is not peanut or nut safe. They’re Nutri Grain Soft Bakes, and they contain peanuts and almond flour. A child was eating one in her son’s classroom, and thankfully she caught the problem before he opened it.

I inquired of Kellogg’s as follows:  ”I recently noticed Nutri Grain Soft Bakes on the shelves here in Ontario, Canada, and I see that they contain peanuts and almond flour. Are they made in the same facility as the Cereal Bars? My son has a life-threatening allergy to both of those ingredients, so if there’s any risk of cross-contamination, that could be fatal. Would you please let me know?”

The first response I received from Kellogg’s Canadian customer service line was not adequate. I was told to trust them, since they label “may contain traces of peanut or nuts” when it’s appropriate. The customer service rep could not tell me under what circumstances Kellogg’s puts on that warning. I needed to know if they make the declaration when there’s a shared facility, when they’re made on different lines in the same area, or only when products are made on the same line. She had to follow up with her team leader and call me back.

When she did call back, I was told that Kellogg’s puts on a “may contain” warning when a product is made on a shared line that uses peanut or tree nuts. I was also advised that the Soft Bakes and cereal bars are made in different facilities: The soft bakes are made in London, Kentucky, and the cereal bars are made in Muncy, Pennsylvania.

Our choice is to continue to buy the cereal bars. Since products are labelled if they’re made on the same line, I’m happy with Kellogg’s allergen disclosure, and I will continue to rely on them as a brand I can trust.

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