Chocolate Allergy

Chocolate allergy in its true form, that is allergy to cocoa is something that is possible but is very rare and is virtually non-existent in today's medical literature. When people say they are allergic to chocolate, it is because they are actually allergic to one or more ingredients in the chocolate. Most of the commercially available chocolates comprise of cocoa mixed with a number of additives such as milk, nuts, gluten, corn, soy or caffeine. People who have specific food allergies such as allergy to gluten, milk, corn, soy or any of the above mentioned items present in chocolates, may develop chocolate allergy.

When a person suffers from a food allergy, his or her body's immune system responds inaccurately to a food protein. The immune system presumes the food proteins to be foreign bodies and as a result produces antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE) to attack these food proteins. These antibodies attach themselves to a type of white blood cell called mast cells and when they come in contact with the concerned food protein, they release chemicals. The allergic reactions that are seen in the body are caused by the release of these chemicals and they range from headaches to vomiting, diarrhea and hives. A severe allergic reaction known as anaphylactic shock (type of anaphylaxis) can even be life threatening and result in death.

Potential Causes of Chocolate Allergy

An allergy to chocolate is most commonly an allergy developed to the additives present in the chocolate and not to cocoa. The different ingredients or additives in chocolates that cause chocolate allergy are as follows:

Milk: People who are lactose intolerant or who have milk allergy show reactions on consumption of chocolate. This is because the milk added to the chocolate causes the allergy. If you're one of those people, then you could try eating bittersweet, dark or semi-sweet chocolate, wherein the quantity of cocoa is more and that of milk and sugar is less. You could even go in for dairy free chocolates which are also available.

Soy: Soy lecithin is an additive which is added to chocolate as an emulsifier, in order to keep the chocolate solid at room temperature, but soy is capable of triggering allergic reactions in some people.

Nuts: Chocolate bars often include peanuts and tree nuts and some chocolates are even filled with peanut butter. People with tree nut allergies and peanut allergies develop allergic reactions as severe as anaphylaxis. However, sometimes even chocolate bars that lack nuts and peanut butter can cause allergic reactions. This is because most chocolate manufacturers use the same manufacturing line to make assorted chocolates. It's advisable to purchase chocolates from nut-free chocolate manufacturing companies. In the US, the Food and Drug Administration regulations state that chocolates wrappers must indicate if they were processed in a factory that processes nuts as well.

Corn: High fructose corn syrup is commonly used by chocolate manufacturers. Besides corn syrup, even corn is used in some production lines. People who are allergic to corn will develop allergy on consumption of chocolate. The FDA regulation make it necessary for chocolate packages to mention if corn has been used. Usually white chocolate contains corn so be on the look out!

Caffeine: Chocolate contains very little amount of caffeine. For example, only six milligrams of caffeine will be found in one ounce of caffeine. Dark chocolate will contain a little more. Thus people who are highly sensitive to caffeine may develop allergic symptoms on eating chocolates.

Wheat and Gluten: Wheat and gluten are added as binders in filled chocolates by manufacturers. Wheat is a common food allergen while gluten is a major source of food intolerance. They are usually added to chocolate based products that are produced on a large scale. These products are mostly sold in the form of candies and not as premium chocolates. As per FDA regulations, food labels have to mention the presence of wheat and gluten.

Symptoms of Chocolate Allergy

A number of signs and symptoms can be experienced by people suffering from chocolate allergy. The common symptoms are:

• Heartburn
• Confusion and Irritability
• Hives
• Breathing problems
• Rectal itching
• Headache

Chocolate allergy is seen to even trigger asthma attacks in asthmatic patients. Further, in cases of severe chocolate allergy, the person may suffer from anaphylaxis which can lead to the life threatening anaphylactic shock. The symptoms of anaphylaxis are:

• Heart palpitations
• Vomiting and nausea
• Fainting or loss of consciousness
• Dizziness
• Drop in blood pressure
• Diarrhea and stomach cramps
• Wheezing and Shortness of breath
• Difficulty in breathing due to inflammation of the airway

Treatment and Prevention of Chocolate Allergy

People who are allergic to cocoa must avoid all cocoa products. A cocoa substitute called carob (seed of the carob tree) believed to be non-allergic, can be consumed in the place of cocoa. Those who are allergic to the additives mentioned above should avoid chocolates containing those ingredients. For example, those with milk allergies must stick to consuming dark chocolates, while those with nut, soy, caffeine or corn allergies should avoid chocolates containing these ingredients. Proper inspection of the chocolate label is required. However, it's not possible to always avoid the allergy-causing chocolates and thus certain medications are prescribed to reduce the symptoms. Antihistamines (for hives and gastrointestinal reactions), topical creams (hives / dermatitis), bronchodilators (for shortness of breath and wheezing), Epinephrine injection (in case of anaphylaxis) and corticosteroids (in case of inflammation) are used to reduce the symptoms.

Chocolate allergy can occur to anyone at any age, that is it can occur in adults as well as in children. What is important is that you don't ignore the allergic reactions, but immediately consult a doctor for advice. Avoid food products containing the allergens and before trying out a substitute, always ask the doctor first.