Food allergens are not only present in certain foods, but may also be found in other everyday products, for example in toiletries. Therefore depending on which food allergy a child has, certain products will need to be avoided.
Avoiding Common Food Allergens – Nuts
One of the most common food allergens is nuts, especially peanuts and tree nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, cashews, hazelnuts and Brazil nuts. As highlighted by Goldman (2009) in Allergies: A Parent's Guide, it is important to recognise that peanuts may be listed in food ingredients as the following:
- arachis oil
- groundnuts
- earth nuts
- peanut oil
- monkey nuts
Many specialists in the field recommend that children who are allergic to peanuts should also avoid tree nuts, marzipan and praline. Thai food is best avoided as it often contains nuts, in addition to Chinese and Indonesian meals. Some types of toiletries will contain nut oils, making it necessary to check the label before buying a new shampoo, soap, shower gel, body lotion or bath oil.
How to Avoid Food Allergens – Egg and Cow's Milk
Another common types of food allergy affecting children is that of egg, which is found in many different foods, as well as in hair products and cosmetics. As recognised by Goldman (2009), like peanuts, egg may be listed as the following:
- albumin
- binder
- coagulant
- emulsifier
- lecithin
While the latter ingredient, lecithin, can be sourced from soya, it is more often the case that it is derived from egg. It is also possible that some children who are allergic to egg are able to eat a piece of cake, where the egg has obviously been well-cooked, without resulting in any symptoms.
Cow's milk is another fairly common food allergy, which like egg and nuts, is also found in toiletries, such as in soap.This is typically found in dairy product, while it may also be an ingredient in sausages and packet soups. As with egg allergies, those affected by cow's milk allergies are also often able to eat foods with small amounts, such as in cake. Goldman (2009) identifies the following ingredients to look out for:
- casein
- whey
- sodium caseinate
- calcium caseinate
As highlighted above, common food allergens affecting children include nuts, egg and cow's milk, which are also present in some toiletries and even cosmetics.Children with peanut allergies should avoid tree nuts, while some children with egg or cow's milk allergies may be able to consume food such as cake, without suffering allergy symptoms.
Source:
Goldman, V. (2009) Allergies: A Parent's Guide Peterborough: Need 2 Know
Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
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