Sesame Seed Allergy - It's More Common Than You Think!
Sesame seed allergy is not new - it was first reported in the 1950's - but it is becoming increasingly common and now is one of the top 10 causes of food allergies. In Israel, sesame seed is the second most common food allergy, behind cow's milk. The rise in sesame seed allergy can be at least partially attributed to its increased consumption because it is used more than ever by the food industry. Sesame seeds are used in a variety of foods such as baked goods, cooking oils, salad dressing, and gluten free products. At this time, it is unknown exactly how long it may take for someone to outgrow sesame seed allergy.
While most peanut oils have been found to be safe in peanut allergic individuals, the same cannot be said about sesame seed oil for sesame seed allergic sufferers. Sesame oil usually is "unrefined" and thus contains sesame seed proteins that can cause allergic reactions. Studies have demonstrated that as little as 3 ml of sesame seed oil can result in allergic reactions. Significant cross-reactivity between sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and flax seeds has been found. Some people with sesame seed allergy are also found to have allergies to peanuts and tree nuts.
Even though sesame seeds are very small, they are very potent and often cause very serious allergic reactions. Avoidance is thus paramount. Below are foods that people with sesame seed allergy should avoid:
Avoid foods that contain:
Sesame seed is also known as Anjonjoli, Benne, Gingelly, Simsin, Til, or Teel.
Foods that may contain sesame seeds:
Cosmetics that may contain sesame oil include body oils, lipsticks, moisturizing creams, soaps. Sesame seed is sometimes also used in medications, to include the use of sesame oil in some intramuscular injections and ointments. Sesame seeds can also be found in some pet food and livestock feed.
While most peanut oils have been found to be safe in peanut allergic individuals, the same cannot be said about sesame seed oil for sesame seed allergic sufferers. Sesame oil usually is "unrefined" and thus contains sesame seed proteins that can cause allergic reactions. Studies have demonstrated that as little as 3 ml of sesame seed oil can result in allergic reactions. Significant cross-reactivity between sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and flax seeds has been found. Some people with sesame seed allergy are also found to have allergies to peanuts and tree nuts.
Even though sesame seeds are very small, they are very potent and often cause very serious allergic reactions. Avoidance is thus paramount. Below are foods that people with sesame seed allergy should avoid:
Avoid foods that contain:
- Benne
- Gomasio (sesame salt)
- Falafel vegetable burgers
- Halvah
- Hummus
- Seed paste
- Sesame seed
- Sesame seed oil
- Sesamol
- Sesemolina
- Sesamum indicum
- Sim sim
- Tahini (Tehina)
- Turkish cake
Sesame seed is also known as Anjonjoli, Benne, Gingelly, Simsin, Til, or Teel.
Foods that may contain sesame seeds:
- Appetizers
- Asian food
- Biscuits
- Baked goods such as bagels, bread, buns, rolls, pastries)
- Candy
- Chutneys
- Confection bars
- Crackers
- Gluten free foods
- Middle Eastern food
- Muesli
- Processed meats
- Risotto
- Sauces
- Sausages
- Snack foods such as trail mix, granola bars, protein bars, pita chips
- Verge burgers
- Vegetable oil
Cosmetics that may contain sesame oil include body oils, lipsticks, moisturizing creams, soaps. Sesame seed is sometimes also used in medications, to include the use of sesame oil in some intramuscular injections and ointments. Sesame seeds can also be found in some pet food and livestock feed.
Published by Pierre-Alain Dauby, M.D.
Dr. Dauby is a board certified allergist. He received a BA with a major in Biology from Hiram College, Hiram Ohio, and his M.D. from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, F. Hébert Scho... View profile
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