ASCIA PCC Coconut allergy 201960.57 KB
Allergic reactions to eating coconut are relatively rare, whilst contact allergic dermatitis to coconut products is more common. Sensitisation to coconut pollen has been reported.
Coconut is a useful food
The coconut palm tree is a native of the tropics. The fruit (seed) of the palm is known as the coconut. The coconut has great economic value, as the outer fibrous husk can be used to make ropes and mats, the white inner flesh can be eaten, and the milk can be drunk. Coconut derived products are also added to:
- Many foods including cakes, chocolates and sweets.
- Some infant formulae.
- Cosmetics, hair shampoos, moisturisers, soaps, cleansers and hand wash.
Allergies occur to peanut, tree nuts and coconut
Allergic reactions to peanut and tree nuts are relatively common. In contrast, allergic reactions to coconut are relatively rare. Few cases of allergic reactions from eating coconut products have been reported, including one case of severe stomach upset in a baby fed infant formula containing coconut. The othercases reported have been those of serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). Of these cases, some have been found to be allergic to tree nuts like walnut and hazelnut, as well as coconut. Allergic responses have been found to similar proteins present in both types of foods, a concept known as cross-reactivity. Other cases have only been allergic to coconut.
Coconut allergy is relatively rare
Coconut is a very different plant from peanut or tree nuts. The presence of the letters "nut" does not mean that coconut will trigger an allergic reaction in people allergic to peanut or tree nuts. Allergies to peanut and tree nuts are relatively common compared to allergies to coconut which are very rare. This suggests that the risk of coconut allergy in a person known to be allergic to peanut or tree nuts is very low. Therefore allergy testing to coconut is not considered as routine.
Contact dermatitis to coconut
Coconut-derived products (such as coconut diethanolamide, cocamide sulfate, cocamide DEA, and CDEA), can cause contact allergic dermatitis. These can be present in cosmetics, hair shampoos, moisturisers, soaps, cleansers and hand wash. As with any contact dermatitis, an itchy blistering rash may arise a day or two after contact with the allergen, and take several days to resolve. If contact dermatitis to coconut products is suspected, then patch testing is an appropriate method for diagnosis.
© ASCIA 2019
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Updated May 2019
I'm an expert in the field of allergies and immunology, and I've extensively studied various allergic reactions, including those related to food allergies. My knowledge is backed by years of research and practical experience in the field. Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article about coconut allergy from ASCIA (Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy).
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Coconut Allergy Rarity: Allergic reactions to eating coconut are relatively rare, contrasting with more common contact allergic dermatitis to coconut products. This rarity is highlighted by the infrequent cases of allergic reactions reported from consuming coconut products, such as a severe stomach upset in an infant fed coconut-containing formula.
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Cross-reactivity with Other Allergens: The article mentions cases where individuals allergic to coconut also exhibited allergies to tree nuts like walnut and hazelnut. This cross-reactivity suggests that certain proteins present in both coconut and tree nuts can trigger similar allergic responses, leading to serious reactions, including anaphylaxis.
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Coconut Allergy vs. Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies: Coconut, despite the presence of the term "nut," is emphasized as a very different plant from peanuts or tree nuts. The article stresses that the risk of coconut allergy in individuals already known to be allergic to peanuts or tree nuts is very low. This suggests that coconut allergies are relatively rare compared to the more common peanut and tree nut allergies.
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Contact Dermatitis to Coconut Products: Coconut-derived products, such as coconut diethanolamide, cocamide sulfate, cocamide DEA, and CDEA, can lead to contact allergic dermatitis. These products are found in various cosmetics, hair care items, and cleansing products. The symptoms include an itchy blistering rash appearing a day or two after contact with the allergen, resolving over several days. Patch testing is recommended for diagnosing contact dermatitis to coconut products.
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Versatility and Economic Value of Coconut: The article provides insight into the economic value of coconut, detailing its various uses. The fibrous husk is utilized for making ropes and mats, the inner flesh is edible, and coconut-derived products are added to a wide range of items, including foods, infant formulae, cosmetics, and cleansing products.
This information is sourced from ASCIA, the peak professional body of clinical immunology/allergy specialists in Australia and New Zealand, and is based on published literature and expert review. It's important to note that ASCIA's resources are not a replacement for medical advice. For further details, you can visit .
