Seed Allergies to Beware Of?

Hi K.,

You've asked a good question. Yes, seed allergies are an actual occurance. Out of that list of ingredients, the only one that might be an allergen is the sesame. It's not high on the list of known allergens, and it doesn't happen often. However, I am one of those who cannot have sesame seeds. If I have even one, I have a serious, life threatening reaction. (I also have a whole host of other food allergies as well, so I carry an epi-pen.)

I wouldn't be too concerned if your child has no other known allergies at this time. If your child has other allergies, or if allergies run in your family, them you might want to be a bit more cautious, stop giving her the sesame, qand ask your doctor first.

I don't think that there is a specific age about when you can introduce sesame seeds like there is with peanuts and some other foods, but I am not absolutely sure.

However, I am not a physician, so if you have questions or concerns, please feel free to follow up with your own primary care doc, or your child's pediatrician. He/she should be able to give you some helpful advice.

Good luck K., and I hope you kind some good information. You are being a good mom by asking these questions!

M.

I do want to add, as someone who has major life threatening allergies, allergies don't always show up immediatly upon the first few exposures to a new food. It took me a few years to become allergic to all the foods I am allergic to. As time goes by, the allergies have gotten much worse. I used to be able to eat peanut butter, but no more. It sometimes take awhile for the body to react to a susbstance.

If she has been eating it without showing any signs, you're in the clear. I think it's pretty rare to be allergic to seeds without also having other allergies, as seeds are not in the "big 8" when it comes to allergies. You don't usually need to delay introduction of seeds if your child is otherwise allergy-free and there is no indication of a reason why she would be allergic.

I wouldn't be concerned...but I follow very few of the "rules". Recommendations are changing everyday and if she were going to have a reaction from THIS exposure she would have had it already.

seeds of all sorts are wonderful sources of protein, calcium, and many other nutrients. i haven't heard of anyone being allergic to all seeds, but rather maybe just one kind of seeds. it sounds like he is fine. don't deprive him of such nutritious food! seeds can be made into milks, butters, meals, flours etc and used in all kinds of ways. one of my favorites is sesame milk.

I think 12 months is when seeds and nuts are okay to introduce. If your daughter has been eating it without trouble, then don't worry about it. :)