Tips
for Managing a Tree Nut
Allergy
Some Hidden Sources of Tree
Nuts
-
Artificial nuts can be peanuts
that have been deflavored and
reflavored with a nut, such as pecan
or walnut. Mandelonas are peanuts
soaked in almond flavoring.
-
Mortadella may contain
pistachios.
-
Tree nuts have been used in many
foods, including barbecue sauce,
cereals, crackers, and ice
cream.
-
Kick sacks, or hacky sacks, bean
bags, and draftdodgers are sometimes
filled with crushed nut shells.
Commonly Asked Questions
Should coconut be avoided by
someone with a tree nut
allergy?
Discuss this with your doctor. Coconut, the seed of a drupaceous fruit, has typically not been restricted in the diets of people with tree nut allergy. However, in October of 2006, the FDA began identifying coconut as a tree nut. The available medical literature contains documentation of perhaps six cases of allergic reaction to coconut; none occur in people with allergy to other tree nuts. Ask your doctor if you need to avoid coconut.
Is nutmeg safe?
Nutmeg is obtained from the
seeds of the tropical tree species
Myristica fragrans. It is safe for
an individual with a tree nut
allergy.
Should water chestnuts be
avoided?
The water chestnut is not a nut;
it is an edible portion of a plant
root known as a "corm." It is safe for
someone who is allergic to tree
nuts.
Keep in Mind
-
Tree nuts can cause severe
allergic reactions. If your doctor
has prescribed epinephrine, be sure
to always carry it with you.
Learn more about anaphylaxis.
-
Most experts advise tree
nut-allergic patients to avoid
peanuts as well.
-
Most experts advise patients who
have been diagnosed with an allergy
to specific tree nuts to avoid all
tree nuts.
Resources Available from
FAAN
The following are some helpful resources that may be ordered online or by calling FAAN at (800) 929-4040.
How
to Read a Label for a Tree Nut-Free
Diet
The Food Allergy News Cookbook
Understanding Food Labels & Cross Contact
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