Itchy mouth after guacamole, or hives after an avocado toast? Avocado is one of the foods most often linked to latex, and for some people it is the first sign of that link. Our test checks for IgE antibodies to a whole avocado extract and to its main protein, Pers a 1, as part of 300 allergens and allergen components including latex, banana and kiwi.
The best-studied avocado allergen is Pers a 1, a class I chitinase. Plants make chitinases to defend themselves against fungi and insects. Pers a 1 carries a small region called a hevein-like domain, which looks a lot like hevein, a major protein in natural rubber latex.
That resemblance is the reason avocado and latex so often show up together. Antibodies made against latex can recognise Pers a 1, and the reverse. Avocado also contains other proteins that can trigger IgE, which is why the panel adds a whole avocado extract next to the single protein.
Latex-fruit syndrome describes people sensitised to latex who also react to certain plant foods. Avocado, banana, kiwi and chestnut are the foods named most often. Healthcare workers and people who have had many operations have historically had higher rates of latex sensitisation, and so higher rates of this pattern.
It works in both directions. Some people react to avocado first and only later find out about latex. Others have latex IgE and eat avocado without any problem. The panel puts avocado, banana, kiwi and five latex proteins on one report, so the pattern is visible at a glance.
Reactions people describe after avocado include itching of the mouth and throat, swollen lips, hives, stomach cramps and, less often, wheezing. They usually start within minutes to two hours. People with latex sensitisation tend to describe stronger reactions than people with mouth-only symptoms.
Swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, trouble breathing or feeling faint after eating is an emergency. Call 112 (EU) or your local emergency number. Do not wait for a test.
Your finger-prick sample goes to the lab, which measures IgE to a whole avocado extract and to one single avocado protein (molecular component). Your lab report gives each a measured value and class, from Negative to Very high, next to your latex, banana and kiwi results. A positive result shows sensitisation, not a clinical allergy. Discuss the result with a doctor before you change what you eat.
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One finger-prick sample checks IgE to 300 allergens and allergen components, from birch and peanut to cat and house dust mite. Post it to the lab, and about 5 days after it arrives you get a value for every one. Our plain-English guide shows you how to read them. €399 in total, €1.33 per allergen.
Avocado's main allergen, Pers a 1, has a region that looks like hevein, a major latex protein. Antibodies to one can recognise the other. This is called latex-fruit syndrome. The test shows avocado and five latex proteins side by side.
Yes. Some people react to avocado with no sign of latex sensitisation, and some people with latex IgE eat avocado without problems. Your report shows each result separately; a doctor reads them together with your history.
Refined oils contain very little protein. Cold-pressed oils can contain more. If you have reacted to avocado before, ask your doctor or allergist what applies to you.
