What Is an Amaranth Allergy?

Amaranth is a grain that is used to make flour and cereal. It is also used to make a red food coloring that is found in many foods. Allergy symptoms occur when the body has an adverse reaction to foods containing amaranth.

Amaranth

• Amaranth is a seed that originates in South America. It was used by the Incas and Aztecs to make flour and other grain-based products. It is also used as food coloring in commercial foods.

Wheat Alternative

• Because amaranth is a small grain, it is able to be milled into a powder that can be used for baking. It has become a popular alternative to wheat because it maintains the consistency of wheat flour but doesn't include gluten.

Symptoms

• Mild symptoms of amaranth allergies include runny nose; swelling around the mouth; itchy, sore or red eyes; itching and hives. A severe reaction to amaranth can cause anaphylactic shock. This can cause the inability to breathe and a serious drop in blood pressure.

Treatment

• Mild cases of amaranth allergies can be treated with over-the-counter allergy medication. Cases of anaphylactic shock need immediate medical attention.

Solution/Prevention

• To avoid allergic reactions to amaranth, avoid all products made with amaranth.