A Service of the National Health Information Center, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
healthfinder® home page
        Help | Advanced Search
 News Library Just For You Health Care Organizations en Español
Health & Human Services Home Page

Home > News


Kiwi a Significant Food Allergen

  • E-mail this article
  • Subscribe to news
  • TUESDAY, July 13 (HealthDayNews) -- Kiwi fruit is a significant food allergen that can cause severe reactions, especially in young children who have other allergies.

    That warning comes in a British study appearing in the July issue of the journal Clinical and Experimental Allergy.

    Kiwi fruit has been recognized as a food allergen for more than 20 years, but this is the first large, detailed study to specifically investigate the clinical characteristics of kiwi allergy in children and adults.

    About 300 people answered a mailed questionnaire from researchers at the University of Southampton. Forty-five people who reported symptoms that indicated they might be allergic to kiwi were invited to be clinically tested. The tests revealed that about half of the 45 people were allergic to kiwi fruit.

    Reactions included rash, vomiting and abdominal pain, sore mouth, and swelling of the lips, tongue, and face. The most severe reactions included breathing difficulties, wheezing, and collapse.

    More information

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has more about food allergies.

    (SOURCE: University of Southampton, news release, July 2004)

    Copyright © 2004 ScoutNews LLC. All rights reserved.

    HealthDayNews articles are derived from various sources and do not reflect federal policy. healthfinder® does not endorse opinions, products, or services that may appear in news stories. For more information on health topics in the news, visit the healthfinder® health library.
    About Us  Accessibility  Disclaimer  Freedom of Information Act  Privacy  Contact Us
    Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services