Apple Allergy & Intolerance

The apple, known botanically as Malus Domestica, is a sweet fruit produced on trees. The apple can be consumed in raw, cooked or commonly juiced. It’s a popular ingredient in many recipes, especially desserts.

Preservation of apples and apple products include being canned, dried or frozen. Canned or frozen apples are usually used in baked goods such as pies or pastries. Apple juice either concentrated or fresh and cider are also very common methods of preservation and consumption.

There are two types of common apple allergies. Birch-apple syndrome (or birch-apple allergy) is common in northern Europe. It is usually found in people who are also allergic to birch tree pollen.

The allergic reactions are triggered by the protein in apples that are similar to birch pollen. Sufferers of this apple allergy are often affected by other fruit and vegetable allergies as well. This reaction will only occur when consuming the fruit raw, as the allergen is neutralized during the cooking process. The variety of apple, storage condition and age can alter the amount of allergen present.

Populations around the Mediterranean regions are reported to have reactions to apples due to their similarity to peaches. An apple allergy of this nature usually exhibits more severe symptoms, such as vomiting, abdominal pain and can be dangerous. One should also note that cooking does not break down the protein causing this particular reaction. Freshly harvested, over-ripe fruits are likely to have the highest levels of the protein that causes this reaction.

Apple allergy symptoms

Common symptoms include:

Abdominal cramps
Anaphylaxis (rare)Diarrhea
Narrowing of the throat
Nausea or vomiting
Rash or hives
Swelling of the face or lips

Identifying apple intolerance

Apple sensitivity (or intolerance) is where a person presents various digestive symptoms after the consumption of apple food products. Apple sensitivity can be uncomfortable and embarrassing for those suffering from it, despite being a less severe condition than an allergy. Often, people encounter digestive issues concerning the enzymes in apples, especially when eaten raw. Processed apple products appear to cause less adverse reactions to an individual’s digestion.

Apple intolerance symptoms

Bloating
Diarrhea
Gas
Tiredness

The nutritional value of apples

Apples are often referred to as the ‘nutritional powerhouse’ due to containing a wide variety of nutrients and antioxidants. They’re a valuable source of Vitamin C which is capable of blocking some free radical damage and boosting the immune system against infections or diseases. The humble apple also contains blood-boosting B vitamins, calcium, potassium and phosphorus while being a good source of dietary fibre.

How to replace nutrients when eliminating apples from your diet

It is essential to use alternative foods in your diet when undertaking either a short or long-term elimination diet so that you maintain nutrient balance.

Below are excellent examples or nutritional alternatives when eliminating apples:

B Vitamins

Oats, rye, buckwheat, brown rice, quinoa, brewer’s yeast, peanuts, mushrooms, soybeans, split peas, pecans, sunflower seeds, lentils, cashews, chickpeas, broccoli, hazelnuts, peppers

Vitamin C

Orange, grapefruit, kiwi fruit, mango, papaya, pineapple, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, cranberries, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, peppers, spinach, cabbage, turnip greens, leafy greens.

Potassium

Dried apricots, salmon, mackerel, tuna, monkfish, white beans, lentils, kidney beans, avocado, butternut squash, spinach, mushrooms, bananas, potatoes

Phosphorus

Brown rice, oats, rye, quinoa, chicken, turkey, pork, liver, sardines, scallops, salmon, mackerel, crab, milk, yoghurt, cottage cheese, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, Brazil nuts, pine nuts, almonds, pistachios, cashews

Calcium

Watercress, kale, broccoli, low-fat mozzarella, yoghurt, pak choi, tofu, sugar snap peas, almonds

Testing for apple allergy and intolerance

If you suspect that you have an intolerance or allergy to apples, there are steps you can take today to move forward. The following tests can help you diagnose your condition, so you can start making smart decisions about what foods you eat.