Itchy mouth after hummus, or hives after a sushi roll? Sesame hides in bread, dips, dressings and spice mixes, often as a paste or oil you cannot see. Our test checks your blood for IgE antibodies to whole sesame seed and to its main storage protein, as part of 300 allergens and allergen components, so you can see whether you are sensitised to sesame.
Sesame is a seed, not a nut, but its allergy-relevant proteins behave much like nut proteins. The best studied is Ses i 1, a 2S albumin storage protein. It is stable to heat and digestion, so toasted seeds, tahini and baked goods all carry it.
Studies found that IgE to Ses i 1 separates people who react to sesame from people who are only sensitised better than a whole-sesame test alone. That is why the panel measures both: the whole seed and Ses i 1.
People describe itching in the mouth, swollen lips or eyes, hives, stomach pain or vomiting, often within minutes of eating sesame. Some report coughing, wheezing or feeling faint. Reactions to small amounts, such as sesame in a dressing, are commonly described.
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.
Sesame sensitisation often turns up in people who are also sensitised to peanut or tree nuts. Part of this is shared protein types, part is that the same people tend to develop several food sensitisations. Seeing sesame next to peanut and the nuts on one report shows which stand out.
A positive result shows sensitisation, not that you will react. If you eat sesame without problems, do not cut it out on a result alone. If you have reacted, take the result to a doctor or allergist, who may suggest further tests or a supervised food challenge.
The lab measures IgE to a whole sesame seed extract and to one single sesame protein (molecular component). Your lab report gives each a measured value and class, from Negative to Very high, next to peanut, the tree nuts and the other seeds on the panel. Treat them 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.
Sesame oil is often unrefined and can contain sesame protein. If you have reacted to sesame before, ask your doctor or allergist whether you should avoid the oil too.
Yes. Sesame is one of the 14 allergens that EU law requires to be highlighted on packaged food. For loose food and restaurant dishes, businesses must be able to tell you, so ask.
No, it is a seed. But its main allergens are storage proteins much like those in nuts, and sesame sensitisation often appears in people sensitised to peanut or tree nuts.
It shows IgE to sesame's main 2S albumin storage protein. Studies found it helps tell sesame allergy apart from sensitisation without symptoms. It is still not a diagnosis. A doctor reads it with your history.
