Corn Allergy
Corn is a type of cereal grain that is made up of proteins - which are similar to those found in many other types of cereal grains like wheat. Both wheat and corn have allergies - but very few people are actually allergic to corn. Yet, despite this research shows that those who are allergic to corn (when compared to those allergic to wheat) suffer more severe symptoms.
People who have an allergy to corn are most often allergic to other cereal grains as well. Yet, even if they are there are times that they will not experience any symptoms at all like they do when they come into contact with corn. A person can have an allergic reaction when eating raw or cooked corn.
Research shows that they may even have reactions when exposed to corn pollen, cornstarch, or grass pollen. Because of this reaction it is important that they do what they can to avoid corn and corn related foods. This is the only way to prevent reactions from affecting them in the future.
In order to make sure that people will avoid corn in their diet means that they need to pay close attention to what foods are made with it. We have provided a list of foods that can contain corn. (Please keep in mind that this is a small list and there may be other foods that you need to research and watch out for.)
- Corn tortillas
- Corn syrup
- Corn oil
- Corn meal
- Cornstarch
- Vegetable oil
- Popcorn
- Grits
- Corn sugars
- Margarine
- Corn chips (Tortilla chips, Fritos)
- Corn fritters
- Breakfast cereals (such as corn flakes)
Food is not the only thing that you will need to watch out for. There are different paper containers that may contain corn as well as the inner surface of plastic food wrappers that could be coated with cornstarch. These include cups plates, boxes, and milk cartons.
Corn Allergy Symptoms
- Anaphylaxis
- Asthma
- Difficulty Breathing
- Drop in blood pressure
- Stomach cramps
- Discomfort
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Migraine headaches
- Hives
- Swelling in the throat or face
