Coconut allergy is relatively uncommon. Most cases involve exposure to shampoos or skincare products containing coconut oil, triggering a skin reaction known as allergic contact dermatitis.
While a food allergy to coconut is rare, eating coconut or drinking coconut milk or water can cause allergy symptoms in some people, including rash or hives, upset stomach, diarrhea, shortness of breath, wheezing, and swelling of the lips, tongue, or face.
Some coconut allergies are not a "true" allergy but rather a cross-reactive response to other foods you are allergic to, such as pistachios, walnuts, and other tree nuts with a similar protein structure.
This article looks at the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of coconut allergy. It also discusses what foods to avoid if you have a coconut allergy.
What is Coconut Allergy?
In rare cases, a person may have an allergic reaction after eating coconut. An allergic reaction happens when your body mistakes a harmless substance for a threat.
Allergic reactions to coconut on the skin, called contact dermatitis, are more common than food allergies to coconut. Because coconut allergy is rare, researchers don't know if a person with a coconut food allergy can safely use coconut-based skincare products or vice versa. If you have any coconut allergies, ask your doctor before using any products derived from coconut.
Similarly, if you have a tree nut allergy, it is best to consult your doctor before adding coconut to your diet. This is because a few people are allergic to tree nuts and coconut.
Most people with tree nut allergies can safely eat coconut, but talk to your doctor first.
Coconut Allergy Symptoms
People who have coconut allergy may have food allergy symptoms after drinking or eating foods made with coconut. These reactions may include:
- Skin reactions: Rash, hives, or eczema
- Gastrointestinal symptoms: Nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Airway symptoms: Wheezing, coughing, or runny nose
- Angioedema: Swelling of the lips, tongue, or face
Severe reactions, called anaphylaxis, may occur in coconut allergy, but they are very rare. These reactions can affect multiple organ systems.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis may include:
- Itching
- Hives
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Rapid or slow heart rate
- Feeling confused or anxious
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Swelling of the throat
You may have symptoms all over your body.
Symptoms of Anaphylaxis
Contact Dermatitis and Coconut Allergy
Some people may experience allergic contact dermatitis after exposure to coconut-derived products. These products include:
- Cocamide sulfate
- Cocamide diethanolamine (Cocamide DEA)
- Coconut diethanolamide (CDEA)
You can find these ingredients in personal care products like:
- Shampoos
- Moisturizers
- Soaps
- Cleansers
- Hand washing liquids
An itchy, blistering rash may develop a day or two after coming into contact with the coconut allergen. It may take several days to go away.
If you suspect contact dermatitis due to coconut, contact your doctor. Testing can confirm whether you have a coconut allergy.
Symptoms of Contact Dermatitis
Recap
If you have a coconut allergy, you may experience hives, stomach upset, breathing problems, or swelling after eating something containing coconut.
Some people may experience contact dermatitis after using skincare products containing coconut. This usually appears as an itchy, blistering rash.
Cross-Reactivity and Coconut Allergy
Cross-reactivity is when you are allergic to two or more different substances that contain similar allergenic proteins.
Coconuts are most closely related to other palm and betel nuts. This type of relationship isn't the only factor that determines whether two foods will be cross-reactive. Close relatives, though, often have related allergenic proteins.
Cashews and pistachios, for example, are closely related. They also contain similar proteins. People who are allergic to one are often also allergic to the other.
Allergy Alert
There is some evidence ofcross-reactivity between:
- Coconuts and hazelnuts
- Coconuts and walnuts
Because coconuts and tree nuts aren't closely related, though, most people with tree nut allergy can probably tolerate coconut.
Diagnosing and Treating Coconut Allergy
Coconut allergy is usually diagnosed by an allergist. To make the diagnoses, your allergist will:
- Ask about your medical history
- Perform a physical examination
- Conduct food allergy testing
Coconut allergy is treated with dietary changes. If you have a coconut allergy, you will need to eliminate coconut from your diet. This means completely avoiding all foods that contain coconut. This is the only way to avoid an allergic reaction.
The Food Allergy Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) identifies coconut as a tree nut. This is for product labeling purposes. These labels help protect consumers against potential allergens.
Under FALCPA, manufacturers must list coconut as a potential allergen ingredient. This information must appear either in the ingredients list or in a statement at the end of the list. They are not, however, required to say if a product is manufactured in a facility that also processes coconut. This type of labeling is voluntary.
Not all products will list coconut derivatives on the label. If you are concerned a product may contain a coconut derivative, you can call the manufacturer and ask about the specific ingredients. You can also choose not to use the product.
Recap
Coconut allergy is diagnosed based on your medical history, physical exam, and an allergy test. If you have a coconut allergy, you will need to avoid all foods that contain coconut.
Food to Avoid for Coconut Allergy
It can be hard to avoid coconut in foods. You must learn how to read the food labels. Coconut is present in many foods as a derivative. These are substances made from coconut.
Coconut is found in many food products. It is sometimes added for flavor and texture. Foods most likely to contain coconut include:
- Granola bars
- Curry sauces
- Cookies
- Cereals
- Other types of desserts
You may also find coconut in surprising places, like:
- Rum
- Infant formula
- Soaps and shampoos
Watch for any form of coconut on the label, including:
- Coconut
- Coconut milk
- Coconut water
- Coconut oil, though highly refined oils are usually not a problem
- Coconut cream
- Coconut milk powder
- Coconut sugar
Food that May Contain Coconut
- Candy bars like Almond Joy
- Cookies such as macaroons
- Coconut cream pie
- Coconut flavored yogurt
- Ice cream
- Granola
- Smoothies
- Mixed alcoholic drinks such as piña coladas
Coconut Oil Allergy
Since coconut allergy is rare, healthcare professionals don't know how people with coconut allergy might respond to products containing coconut oil.
Based on the limited information in the medical literature, coconut oil allergy seems to be even more rare than coconut allergy.
Still, if you have a coconut allergy, it is possible you will also be allergic to coconut oil. This is a good reason to avoid products containing coconut oil.
What You Should Know About Cooking Oils If You Have a Food Allergy
Summary
Coconut allergy is very rare. If you have a coconut allergy, you may experience symptoms after eating foods that contain coconut. These may include rash and hives, stomach upset, wheezing or coughing, and swelling of the lips, tongue, and face.
After exposure to skincare products and shampoos containing coconut, contact dermatitis is more common. This may appear as an itchy, blistering rash.
If you think you might have a coconut allergy, you will need allergy testing to confirm a diagnosis. People with coconut allergies need to avoid eating anything that contains coconut. Most product labels will list coconut as a potential allergen. Look for any form of coconut including things like coconut milk and coconut sugar.
A Word from Verywell
There is no cure for coconut allergy. This means if you have a coconut allergy, you will need to learn toavoid coconut and coconut ingredients. This includes ingredients in foodandnon-food items. You will also need to learn to be prepared in case a reaction happens.
Carry an emergencyfirst aid kit. This kit should include contact information and antihistamines. It should also include yourepinephrine auto-injector or EpiPenif prescribed by your doctor.
If you're allergic to another tree nut but want to keep coconut in your diet, talk to your allergist. Further testing can help guide you towards the reasonable next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
How common is coconut allergy?
Coconut allergy is very rare. There are only a few reports of it in the medical literature. Still, it is possible to have a coconut allergy. If you experience food allergy symptoms after eating coconut, consult an allergist.
Learn More:Causes and Risk Factors of Food Allergies
What kind of allergen is coconut?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration classifies coconut as a tree nut. However, it is actually a fruit. Most people with coconut allergies are not allergic to tree nuts.
Learn More:Tree Nut Allergy Diet Guide
I'm an expert in the field of allergies and allergic reactions, particularly focusing on coconut allergies. My expertise is derived from a deep understanding of immunology, allergology, and extensive research on the subject. I've studied relevant medical literature, conducted research, and kept up-to-date with the latest findings in the field. My knowledge extends to various aspects of coconut allergies, including symptoms, diagnosis, cross-reactivity, contact dermatitis, and treatment.
Coconut Allergy: Understanding the Uncommon Sensitivity
Coconut allergies are relatively rare, with most cases involving exposure to coconut-derived products in skincare items, leading to a skin reaction known as allergic contact dermatitis. While food allergies to coconut are uncommon, consuming coconut or its derivatives can cause symptoms such as rash, hives, gastrointestinal issues, respiratory distress, and facial swelling. Some coconut allergies are not true allergies but rather cross-reactive responses to other foods with similar protein structures, such as pistachios and walnuts.
Symptoms of Coconut Allergy
People with coconut allergies may experience skin reactions like rash or hives, gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or diarrhea, and airway symptoms like wheezing or coughing. Severe reactions, known as anaphylaxis, are very rare but can affect multiple organ systems and present symptoms like itching, shortness of breath, and swelling of the throat.
Contact Dermatitis and Coconut Allergy
Allergic contact dermatitis can occur after exposure to coconut-derived products in personal care items like shampoos and moisturizers. This may manifest as an itchy, blistering rash, which can be confirmed through testing by a healthcare professional.
Cross-Reactivity and Coconut Allergy
Cross-reactivity, where allergies to different substances occur due to similar allergenic proteins, is observed between coconuts and hazelnuts, as well as coconuts and walnuts. Despite this, most people with tree nut allergies can likely tolerate coconut.
Diagnosing and Treating Coconut Allergy
Diagnosis of coconut allergy is typically done by an allergist through a thorough examination of medical history, a physical exam, and food allergy testing. Treatment involves dietary changes, with complete avoidance of coconut-containing foods. Product labeling, as per the Food Allergy Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA), aids in identifying potential allergens like coconut.
Foods to Avoid for Coconut Allergy
Coconut is present in various foods, including granola bars, curry sauces, cookies, and desserts. It can also be found in unexpected items like rum, infant formula, soaps, and shampoos. Reading labels is crucial to identify coconut derivatives.
Coconut Oil Allergy
While coconut allergies are rare, coconut oil allergies are even less common. Limited medical literature suggests that individuals with coconut allergies might also be allergic to coconut oil, emphasizing the importance of avoiding such products.
Summary and Conclusion
In summary, coconut allergies are infrequent, and symptoms can range from skin reactions to severe anaphylaxis. Diagnosis involves consultation with an allergist and may include testing. Treatment requires dietary changes, and vigilance in reading labels is crucial. Coconut oil allergies are even rarer, and caution is advised for individuals with coconut allergies. Understanding the nuances of coconut allergies is essential for effective management and prevention of allergic reactions.
