Lupin allergy:
Is it
really a cause for concern?
RANJANI RAMANUJAM1*,ALESSANDRO FIOCCHI2, WILLIAM SMITH3
*Corresponding author
1. Senior Medical Writer, Sprim India, No. 10, 1st A Main, S.T. Bed Layout, IV Block, Koramangala, Bangalore 560034, India
2. Pediatric Allergy Department, Pediatric Hospital Bambino Gesù, 20142, P.zza S. Onofrio 4, Rome, Italy
3. Clinical Immunology and Allergy Department, The Royal Adelaide Hospital, North Terrace Adelaide 5000, South Australia
KEYWORDS: Lupin, functional food, allergy, b-conglutin.
ABSTRACT: Lupin is a legume plant commonly used in the bakery industry in several regions of the world since the last few years. Allergic reaction with lupin in the general population is not clearly known. It appears to be low and probably depends on dietary habits and geographical differences, likely as a result of exposure. Most cases have been reported from Europe. Additionally, sensitisation to lupin flour is significantly more frequent compared to clinical manifestations. Lupin allergy has been observed usually in individuals with known peanut allergy because of the similarity of its key allergen, b-conglutin to that of the latter, Ara h 1. Cases of primary lupin allergy have also been reported occasionally. Appropriate product labelling by manufacturers and awareness among physicians and general public are required for overcoming the challenges associated with Lupin allergy.
INTRODUCTION
Lupin is a member of the Legume family which is the second largest family of seed plants. Peanut and soy ... ... ...