f209 Grapefruit

Allergens within Food of Plant Origin

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  • Latin name: Citrus paradisi
  • Family: Rutaceae
  • Source material: Fresh fruit
Food
In general, the larger the number of atopic problems in an individual, the greater the chances of food being involved. 

Allergen Exposure

Grapefruit is one of the three principle members of the citrus family. Its origin is not clear but it may have come about as a hybrid of the pomelo tree and sweet orange. Tangelo is a hybrid product between grapefruit and orange, and has a less bitter taste than grapefruit.

Potential Cross-Reactivity

Cross-reactivity within the Rutaceae family can be expected.

Clinical Experience

Citrus fruit such as Grapefruit is among the most common causes of atopic dermatitis (1-3). IgE antibodies to Grapefruit were detected in patients with atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma (4). In a study of children with atopic dermatitis, Pharmacia CAP System (5) showed that many had IgE antibodies to Grapefruit. Many patients were also found positive in a similar study in adults (6).
 
Review
Grapefruit is one of the three principle members of the citrus family. The origin is not clear, but it may have come about as a hybrid of the pomelo tree and sweet orange. Tangelo is a hybrid product between grapefruit and orange, and has a less bitter taste than grapefruit. Citrus fruit such as Grapefruit is among the most common causes of atopic dermatitis (1-3). IgE antibodies to Grapefruit were detected in patients with atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma (4). In a study of children with atopic dermatitis, Pharmacia CAP System (5) showed that many had IgE antibodies to Grapefruit. Many patients were also found positive in a similar study in adults (6). Cross-reactivity within the Rutaceae family can be expected.

References:

    1. Host A, Halken S. A prospective study of cow milk allergy in Danish infants during the first 3 years of life. Clinical course in relation to clinical and immunological type of hypersensitivity reaction. Allergy 1990;45(8):587-96.
    2. Kajosaari M. Food allergy in Finnish children aged 1 to 6 years. Acta Paediatr Scand 1982;71(5):815-9.
    3. Stogmann W, Kurz H. [Atopic dermatitis and food allergy in infancy and childhood]. Wien Med Wochenschr 1996;146(15):411-4.
    4. Chiba T et al. Clinical evaluation of Pharmacia CAP System new food allergens [abstract]. Paper presented at Jap Soc Pediatric Allergology 1992.
    5. Yamada M, Torii S. Clinical evaluation of Pharmacia CAP System new food and inhalant allergens [abstract]. Paper presented at Jap Soc Pediatric Allergology 1992.
    6. Konatsu H, Miyagawa K, Ikezawa Z. Study of clinical efficacy of Pharmacia CAP System new allergens in patients with atopic dermatitis [abstract]. Paper presented at Jap Soc Pediatric Allergology 1992.

2000