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Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil & Peanut Allergy

According to an International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) article in Lancet, large epidemiologic studies in children suggest that trans fatty acid in the diet increases the risk for allergy and other atopic disorders, including asthma. Experts at the Mayo Clinic indicate that peanut allergy, a common allergy in children, is one of the most common causes of anaphylaxis, a medical emergency.

  1. Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil

    • Hydrogenated vegetable oil is a liquid oil that has been converted to a solid fat by adding hydrogen atoms to its molecules. When an oil is processed to become partially hydrogenated, trans fatty acid (the unhealthy fat) is made and remains in the oil.

      Partially hydrogenated vegetable oils have a consistency like butter, but they are much cheaper to produce than butter. These widely used products include margarine, oleo and shortening. They also are added to many snack and fast foods.

    Peanut Allergy Severity

    • According to allergy expert Dr. Anna Feldweg, professor in medicine at Harvard Medical School, some individuals' allergies are so severe that even exposure to traces of peanuts is hazardous. Breathing air containing peanut residue or eating food with a utensil that has been used with peanut butter can cause an allergic reaction.

      Even roasted peanuts may cause a reaction, as cooking does not destroy all of the allergens.

    Allergens

    • Dr. Feldweg explains that some people with peanut allergy are also allergic to soya, green beans and kidney beans, which contain similar allergens to those in peanuts. They may be allergic to tree nuts such as almonds or cashews. People with food allergies are also more likely to have other kinds of allergies, such as hay fever.

    Risks Associated with Vegetable Oil

    • Dr. Feldweg states that even highly sensitive people who are allergic to peanuts will not react to refined peanut oil or vegetable oil, as these products consist entirely of fat. The proteins causing allergic reactions have been removed during manufacturing.

      However, those with severe peanut allergy can react to cold-pressed or unrefined (crude) peanut oils, as these may contain small amounts of peanut allergens.

    Prevention/Solution

    • According to Dr. Feldweg, children and adults with peanut allergy should avoid unrefined peanut oils and any other foods (e.g., nuts) they could be allergic to. Refined liquid vegetable oil (e.g., corn oil) is safe to consume; however, specialty oils, such as sesame and walnut, are not refined and may contain traces of nuts or seeds that sensitive persons may be allergic to. Watch for labels saying "Arachis oil," another term for peanut oil.

      Everyone, including those with peanut allergy, should minimize consumption of partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, which contains unhealthy trans fatty acids. Do not buy products with "hydrogenated" or "trans fat" listed among the ingredients. Avoid deep-fried foods when eating out.

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