Prospective study of sensitization and food allergy to flaxseed in 1,317 subjects

S. Fremont, D.A. Moneret-Vautrin, P. Franck, M. Morisset, A. Croizier, F. Codreanu, G. Kanny

Background: Foods containing flaxseed proteins rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids are new on the market. Objectives: In a population of patients attending the allergology department, we evaluated the frequency of sensitization to flaxseed, characterized allergens and looked for modifications related to industrial processing. Methods: Natural, heated and extruded flaxseeds were tested using prick-in-prick tests (PIP using the fresh seed), SDS PAGE, immunoblots, immunoblot inhibition and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Results: PIP tests to natural flaxseed were positive in 5.8% of the 1,317 patients. 73 of 77 PIP-positive patients were atopic. There was cross-reactivity with five seeds: peanut, soybean, rapeseed, lupine and wheat, and with rape pollen. Immunoblot inhibition by bromelain confirmed the presence of specific IgE to cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCD). 0.15% of this population presented with food allergy to flaxseed and positive PIP to heated and extruded flaxseed. Two sera showed that clinically relevant allergens in industrial products had MW between 25 and 38 kDa. Sensitization to processed flaxseed characterized only the allergic subjects. FTIR spectroscopy showed major modifications in â and á structures following industrial processing. Conclusion: Positive prick tests to natural flaxseed were mainly due to cross-reactions. Flaxseed allergy is rare and could be detected by PIP to heated extruded flaxseed. Increasing consumption calls for monitoring of clinical risk.
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