An allergic reaction to asparagus is rare but possible. Which symptoms indicate this and which people are particularly at risk.
The asparagus season has begun. What many have eagerly anticipated poses health risks for others. Allergists and dermatologists warn that the vegetable can cause allergic reactions in people with a corresponding predisposition. Symptoms appear on the skin or in the gastrointestinal tract.
Asparagus: Highly sought after, but in rare cases also an allergy trigger
Asparagus is considered very healthy. Because it contains plenty of potassium, vitamins and valuable secondary plant substances. According to
the Federal Center for Nutrition (BZfE)
, some of them, including anthocyanins or carotenoids, are
even said to have anti-cancer and antibacterial effects. In addition, the stalk vegetables are low in calories and fat and stimulate digestion and kidney activity thanks to their high fiber and asparagine content.
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In rare cases, however, the vegetables are not tolerated. Anyone who suffers from a severe nickel allergy should be careful when peeling the sticks. Asparagus has a relatively high nickel content and can trigger allergic reactions in people with nickel allergies, as the
Deutsche Apotheker Zeitung
(DAZ)
warns. Nickel allergies are contact allergies and, according to
the European Foundation for Allergy Research (ECARF)
, are characterized by painful skin eczema that occurs hours to days after contact with the allergy trigger.
The first signs of contact allergy are:
Itching, burning or pain on the skin
Redness
swelling
papules
Weeping blisters
Asparagus itself can also be an allergy trigger
In addition, the vegetables themselves also have “allergenic potential”. It is currently unknown which substance in asparagus triggers allergies. There are no studies on this yet, explains dermatologist Bernhard Homey from the dermatology clinic at the University of Düsseldorf to the
DAZ.
Asparagus allergy is difficult to diagnose because the vegetable is usually eaten in combination with other foods and the allergy symptoms appear with a delay.
According to the
German Allergy and Asthma Association (DAAB),
asparagus can, in rare cases, trigger allergic reactions in people allergic to birch pollen. In this case it is a so-called cross allergy, also known as pollen-associated food allergy. Those affected react to proteins in foods that are similar to those in pollen. A “cross reaction” occurs with tingling and itching in the mouth or even digestive problems. According to
DAAB
, the symptoms are usually
then
This is particularly pronounced when there is a heavy pollen count, additional alcohol consumption, stress or accompanying infections such as a gastrointestinal infection.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.