It is well known that the best way to prevent a severe allergic reaction is to totally avoid the offending food, but according to a new study you may no longer have to avoid the food entirely.
Sami Bahna, MD, allergist and ACAAI past president, noted not only can certain parts of food be safe to eat for some food allergy sufferers, but there are some substitutes that can be eaten as well.
"Just because someone is allergic to cow's milk, doesn't mean they are allergic to milk from all other animals. Some sufferers might have to avoid several foods, which can be difficult and cause malnutrition. But there are substitutes that can be eaten without any side effects," Bahna said.
Some food sensitivities may also predict other food allergies. Different types of fruits and fish can often have substantial cross-reactivity, meaning there may be several types that need to be avoided.
The researcher said that while many food allergic individuals find they can eat certain parts of food or substitutes, this isn't a one size fits all approach. Allergy manifests in everyone differently. If you have a food allergy, evaluation by a board-certified allergist can identify the exact foods that you should avoid and the substitute foods that you can safely eat.
The study was presented at the Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI).