Can peanut allergy sufferers eat peanuts?
Quick Answer
No
Individuals with a peanut allergy should avoid peanuts and peanut products. Consuming peanuts can trigger a severe allergic reaction, including life-threatening anaphylaxis.
What Is It?
A peanut allergy is a type of food allergy where an individual’s immune system reacts abnormally to proteins found in peanuts, causing allergic reactions.
How to Tell
Symptoms of a peanut allergy can range from mild to severe and may include itching, hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, nausea, and anaphylaxis.
Why It Can Be Risky
Exposure to peanuts can pose serious risks to individuals with a peanut allergy.
- Anaphylaxis: A severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur within seconds or minutes of exposure to an allergen.
- Cross-contamination: Peanuts can easily contaminate other foods during processing or preparation, posing a risk to those with a peanut allergy.
Safe Alternatives
There are many alternatives to peanuts and peanut products, including tree nuts (for those not allergic), seeds, and legumes.