People with nut allergies should carefully monitor their alcohol consumption, as it could increase their risk of a serious reaction, says a new study by researchers at McGill University.
According to this study, nut-flavored alcoholic drinks can expose people to traces of allergens, even if the drink contains only artificial flavors.
Contact with an allergen subsequently increases an allergic person’s risk of developing a serious reaction.
“During the holiday season, people have access to a wealth of nut-based drinks and snacks. It is therefore crucial to be extra vigilant to avoid any accidental exposure to allergens,” says the lead author of the study, Roy Khalaf.
Researchers also looked at the link between triggers and symptoms of anaphylaxis, an allergic reaction that can quickly lead to death if left untreated.
In particular, they discovered that food is the most important trigger; this is responsible for more than half of cases of anaphylaxis.
And among foods, nuts particularly stand out because they are more likely to cause tight throat symptoms than other allergens.
Furthermore, the study maintains that there is a significant lack of understanding of how triggers work among health professionals. Thus, many doctors use epinephrine to treat anaphylaxis, without truly understanding the link between a trigger and a well-defined symptom.
According to researchers, this lack of knowledge can contribute to delays in diagnosis and treatment.
“By spotting certain trends, doctors could provide life-saving care more quickly in an emergency. For people with allergies, understanding the role of alcohol and other triggers could help them make more careful choices,” says Roy Khalaf.
The latter believes that the study conducted by his team could lead to better labeling practices in the agri-food sector to encourage companies to provide clearer information on allergens and thus better protect consumers.
