Tomato Intolerance and Allergy

The tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum) is a fruit of South American origin from the nightshade family now grown throughout most of the world. Despite botanically being a fruit, it is usually prepared and eaten as a vegetable.

A tomato is made up of approximately 95% water, 4% carbohydrates and less than 1% of fat and protein. Tomatoes are considered low in calories and a moderate source of vitamin C.
Tomatoes give an umami flavour to cooking and are consumed in many ways including raw in salads or cooked dishes, sauces, salads and even drinks. Tomatoes and tomato products can be found in a large number of processed foods.

However, some people are sensitive to this food, from being intolerant to tomatoes, to being allergic to them. Continue reading to find out more!

Tomato Intolerance

Tomato intolerance is where a person presents various digestive symptoms after the consumption of tomato products. A less severe condition than an allergy, this condition can still be uncomfortable and embarrassing for the individual.

Tomato Intolerance Symptoms

Common symptoms of tomato intolerance include:

Bloating
Diarrhoea
Tiredness
Gas
Nausea

These symptoms are also synonymous with a tomato sensitivity, and the key difference here is that an intolerance means your body lacks a key enzyme needed to digest this fruit.

Tomato Allergy

Tomato allergies are extremely rare despite the increase in tomatoes and tomato-based products throughout the world. This allergy is likely to occur when a person comes in touch with the food. People with a tomato allergy are also likely to experience allergic reactions with other items from the nightshade family, including potatoes, tobacco, and aubergine. Those with a tomato allergy will sometimes also have a cross-reaction to latex and latex products (latex-fruit syndrome).

Tomato Allergy Symptoms

Common symptoms of tomato allergy include:

Rash or hives
Abdominal cramps
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhoea
Narrowing of the throat
Swelling of the face or lips
Anaphylaxis (very rarely)

Tomato Allergy Eczema

Tomatoes are considered as an irritant for those with eczema. Although this only occurs to 10% of people with food allergies – common symptoms to look out for immediately after being exposed to tomatoes are rashes, itching, swelling and redness.

Tomato Nutrition

Tomatoes are a major source of the antioxidant lycopene, which has been linked to various health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and cancer. They are also considered a good source of vitamin C, potassium, folate, and vitamin K and represent a key contributor to the modern diet.

Replacing key nutrients when eliminating tomatoes

It is important to use alternative items in your diet when undertaking either a short- or long-term elimination diet to maintain nutrient balance.

Below are good examples of tomato alternatives:

Beta carotene

Sweet potato, carrots, kale, spinach, collards, Swiss chard, pak choi, butternut squash, pumpkin, cos lettuce, romaine lettuce, mango, dried apricots, prunes, peaches, melon, red peppers, tuna fish, mackerel, butter.

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.