Nut allergy Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, July 2008.
Answers to questions about nut allergy
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email. This section will expand over time.
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- If I have a nut allergy, am I at risk of a reaction if I travel by plane?
- Is it safe for me to eat or use products containing peanut oil if I have peanut allergy?
- I have a peanut allergy and I've heard I may be at risk of having an allergic reaction caused by lupins. Is this true?
If I have a nut allergy, am I at risk of a reaction if I travel by plane?
Answer
It will be different for everyone, but you are likely to be able to travel by plane.
Explanation
There is no definite evidence about the risks of travelling by plane to people with a nut allergy. However, it's thought that you are no more likely to have an allergic reaction on a plane than elsewhere provided you take the same care as you usually would.
The most likely reason for you having an allergic reaction while on a plane would be as a result of eating something that contains nuts or has been contaminated with nuts during preparation. Some airlines will provide you with a special meal if you request this in advance, but you will need to confirm this when you check in and when you get on the plane. The best way to make sure your food is completely free of nuts and nut traces is to take your own with you.
It's possible that surfaces on the plane will have been contaminated with allergens as a result of other people eating nuts. If you are worried about this, take something to wipe the table with when you board the plane.
If you have a severe allergy that means you may have a reaction by breathing in the allergen, some airlines will try to arrange for nuts not to be served on the plane. Not all airlines will do this so always check with your airline before you book your flight. It's important to give as much notice as possible if you are going to request this. You should remember that it's not possible to guarantee that other passengers won't bring nuts on board.
Always make sure you have your medicines with you and speak to your GP or allergy specialist before travelling by plane.
Sources
- Food allergy and airline travel. The Anaphylaxis Campaign. www.anaphylaxis.org.uk, accessed 13 May 2008
Is it safe for me to eat or use products containing peanut oil if I have peanut allergy?
Answer
This depends on whether the oil is refined or unrefined. If you have a peanut allergy, you are unlikely to have an allergic reaction to refined peanut oil, and if you do it will probably be mild. However, you may be more likely to have a reaction to unrefined peanut oil.
Explanation
Research has shown that if you have a peanut allergy, you are very unlikely to have a reaction to refined peanut oil. If the oil is refined, it means it has been treated to remove the part of the peanut which contains the allergen - the part that causes an allergic reaction. Unrefined peanut oil still contains these and is therefore more likely to cause an allergic reaction.
Since 2005, manufacturers in the UK and European Union have been required by law to show on the label if a product contains peanut oil. However, they don't have to specify if this is refined or unrefined. You should be aware that there may be products still in the shops that were produced before this time.
Refined peanut oil is found in many food products such as cakes and ready meals and in some skin care treatments such as those for eczema. Unrefined peanut oil isn't often found in food products, but it's possible that it may be used in some ethnic food products or in restaurant dishes to give them a peanut flavour. It's also important to look out for other names that may be used for peanut oil such as groundnut oil.
Sources
- Peanut oil: your questions answered. The Anaphylaxis Campaign. www.anaphylaxis.org.uk, accessed 14 May 2008
I have a peanut allergy and I've heard I may be at risk of having an allergic reaction caused by lupins. Is this true?
Answer
Yes, if you have a peanut allergy, it's possible that you may also react to lupins or products that contain lupin flour or seeds. This is because lupins contain many of the same allergens as peanuts.
Explanation
Lupins are legumes and are often found growing in gardens. They contain some of the same main allergens that can be found in peanuts. Therefore, if you are allergic to peanuts, it's possible that you may also react to lupins.
Lupin seeds can be ground to produce flour or they may be used as an ingredient in foods such as seeded bread. Lupin flour is commonly used in mainland Europe as an ingredient in pastries and pasta and allergic reactions to it have been noticed there for some time. If you are allergic to peanuts, it's important to take care if you travel to Europe and be aware that certain food products may be more likely to contain lupin flour.
By law, all pre-packed food produced in the UK and the European Union since 2007 must say on the label if it contains lupin.
Sources
- Lupin allergy. Food Standards Agency. www.eatwell.gov.uk, accessed 14 May 2008
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Dr WH Simpson, General Practitioner, and by Bupa doctors. It has also been reviewed by The Anaphylaxis Campaign. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: July 2008.
Nut allergy factsheet
Visit the nut allergy health factsheet for more information.
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