What Is A Potato Allergy?
Potato allergy is a food allergy that affects approximately 1 out of every 100 children. Potatoes are one of the most common foods that cause symptoms in those with a potato allergy.
Potato allergy occurs when someone eats a food containing the tubercle borer mite (TbM). TbM causes inflammation of the small intestine causing diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting.
The symptoms usually appear within two weeks after ingestion of the contaminated food. They last between three to seven days depending upon how much you eat. If left untreated, these symptoms may lead to dehydration and death.
Symptoms of potato allergy vary from person to person. Some people experience only mild symptoms while others develop severe reactions such as bloody diarrhea or even death.
How Common Is Potato Allergies?
Potato allergy is very common among children under five years old. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), about 1 out of every 100 infants have a reaction to potatoes.
There are two types of potato allergens, the first one is called Solanum tuberosum (ST) and the other one is Nicotiana tabacum (NT). ST and NT are part of a larger group of allergens known as the Solanaceae family.
Solanaceae Allergies: A Common Source of Food Allergies in Kids
A common food type that causes allergies in children is the nightshade family of plants. The source of these types of allergies is due to the presence of a specific toxic compound called alkaloids.
The nightshade family of plants includes potatoes, tomatoes, tobacco, and eggplant. All of these plants contain alkaloids that can cause inflammation in certain people.
Potatoes are part of the nightshade family of plants and can cause food allergies in kids.
What Are the Symptoms of a Potato Allergy?
An allergy to potatoes causes a reaction in the immune system. When you eat a food that you are allergic to, your body mistakenly thinks that the food is harmful. The immune system produces immunoglobulin E (IgE). These special types of antibodies travel to cells that defend against foreign invaders and interact with them. These interactions result in the release of chemicals that cause allergic symptoms.
Potato Allergy Symptoms: When Should You Call Your Doctor?
Sources & references used in this article:
A murine model of wheat versus potato allergy: Patatin and 53kDa protein are the potential allergen from potato by IT Ansari, T Mu – Molecular immunology, 2018 – Elsevier
Latex allergy can induce clinical reactions to specific foods by DH Beezhold, GL Sussman, GM Liss… – … & Experimental Allergy, 1996 – Wiley Online Library
Allergy to odor of white potato (Irish potato) by AJ Horesh – Journal of Allergy, 1944 – jacionline.org
IgE-mediated allergic reactions to potatoes by R Wahl, S Lau, HJ Maasch, U Wahn – International Archives of Allergy …, 1990 – karger.com
Food allergy in adulthood by JF Crespo, J Rodriguez – Allergy, 2003 – Citeseer
Thrombocytopenic purpura due to food allergy by TL Squier, FW Madison – Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 1937 – jacionline.org
