Hives after a plant-based burger, or a tingly mouth after a protein shake? Pea protein is now one of the most common ingredients in vegan and high-protein foods, and it is not on the list of allergens that EU labels must highlight. Our test checks your blood for IgE antibodies to three single pea proteins, as part of 300 allergens and allergen components including peanut, lentil, chickpea and soy.
Pea is a legume, related to lentil, chickpea, peanut and soy. Its main allergens are storage proteins: Pis s 1 (vicilin) and Pis s 2 (convicilin). In a Spanish study, both bound IgE in more than half of the people with pea allergy, and both cross-reacted with lentil's major allergen.
Pis s 3 is a lipid transfer protein (LTP). LTPs are stable to heat and look alike across many plant foods. IgE to Pis s 3 can be part of a wider LTP pattern that often starts with peach, mostly in southern Europe.
People describe itching in the mouth, hives, swollen lips, stomach cramps, vomiting or wheezing, usually within minutes to two hours of eating peas or pea protein. Reviews of legume allergy single out pea as one of the legumes linked to severe reactions, and case reports have grown as pea protein spread through plant-based foods.
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.
Peanut is a legume too, and pea vicilin is related to peanut's Ara h 1. People with peanut sensitisation can show IgE to pea, and some report reactions to pea protein products. Others with peanut allergy eat peas without a problem.
That is why one number for "legumes" is not enough. The panel measures pea, peanut, lentil, chickpea, soy and lupin separately. A positive result shows sensitisation, not that you will react. If you have never reacted to peas, do not cut them out on a result alone.
The lab measures IgE to three single pea proteins (molecular components). There is no whole pea extract on the panel. Your lab report gives each a measured value and class, from Negative to Very high, next to the eight peanut proteins and the other legumes. Treat it as a pattern to discuss with your doctor, not a diet plan.
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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.
Pea allergy is less common than peanut or soy allergy, but pea protein is now in many vegan and high-protein foods, and reports of reactions have grown with it. Pea is not one of the 14 allergens EU labels must highlight, so check the ingredients list.
Do not decide on a hunch. Some people with peanut allergy react to pea protein, many do not. The panel measures pea and peanut proteins separately; take the results to your doctor or allergist, who can tell you what applies to you.
Possibly. Protein isolates concentrate the storage proteins, so a shake or burger can deliver far more pea protein than a side of peas. Your result shows sensitisation to the proteins themselves, not to a particular food.
