Dragon fruit allergy is not well documented. However, rare allergic reactions to dragon fruit have been reported.
Dragon fruit is an exotic fruit grown and consumed worldwide. It boasts a thick red skin as well as soft pulp filled with edible seeds.
It’s an excellent source of several essential nutrients and bioactive compounds.
Additionally, this food has a minimal water footprint and can be prepared age-appropriately. When your baby is ready for solids, adding this nutritious vegetable to their diet could prove beneficial for their development.
Is Dragon Fruit Allergy Common?
The prevalence of dragon fruit allergy is not well-documented. However, there have been reports of allergic reactions to dragon fruit in some rare cases.
A study of patients with natural rubber latex allergy found that 42.5% reported allergic symptoms after ingestion of dragon fruit and other fruits.
Additionally, a study using bottom-up proteomics coupled with immunoinformatics identified potential allergens in white- and red-fleshed pitaya (dragon fruit) seeds, including heat shock protein 70 and cupin_1.
Hypersensitivity systemic reactions to cactus fruit (Opuntia ficus-indica) and anaphylactic reactions to mixed fruit juice containing dragon fruit have also been reported. Therefore, it appears that dragon fruit allergy is possible but not common.
Allergens
An allergy is an immune response to something normally harmless that triggers your immune system to react. It can be caused by pollen, grass, foods or chemicals.
Allergies can be extremely severe, particularly for children. Without prompt treatment, they could prove deadly.
Fruit allergies are caused by cross-reactivity between allergens in the body and proteins found in raw fruits, vegetables, and tree nuts. These proteins often have structural similarities to pollen.
Apple, peach and kiwi are the three fruits most often responsible for allergic reactions in humans. These reactions can range in intensity from mild to severe and sometimes manifest themselves in the oral cavity (oral allergy syndrome).
Fruit allergy sufferers may experience itching, swelling of the mouth and throat, as well as hives or rashes. These reactions usually manifest minutes after consumption of the offending food.
Symptoms
Dragon fruit allergies may present with itching of the tongue and lips, hives, and swelling – these reactions may occur immediately or within a few minutes after consumption.
If you are allergic to dragon fruit, it is best to stay away from the fruit entirely. Doing so can result in anaphylaxis – an extremely severe allergic reaction. So far, there have only been two reported cases of people having a severe allergic reaction to dragon fruit.
Unfortunately, this allergy is relatively rare. It usually develops when someone consumes the fruit alongside another allergenic food item like kiwi.
Dragon fruit is an excellent source of fiber, which is essential for maintaining gut health. Additionally, it serves as a prebiotic by feeding the beneficial bacteria in your digestive system.
Furthermore, dragon fruit contains high amounts of vitamin C and other antioxidants which support your immunity.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing dragon fruit allergy requires a physical examination from your healthcare provider. They may use a skin prick test to detect the allergen.
It may be a rare allergy, but it can be deadly. Signs of an allergic reaction include hives, swelling of the tongue and vomiting.
Symptoms may present immediately after eating dragon fruit or up to several hours later. In two cases, people without a history of food allergies experienced anaphylactic reactions when exposed to this fruit.
In such cases, your doctor will likely give you an antihistamine to alleviate symptoms and then test your blood for antibodies against the allergen.
Dragon fruit can be a nutritious snack, but it should only be eaten in moderation. Eating too much dietary fiber may lead to diarrhea and other digestive issues.
Treatment
Dragon fruit is a beloved treat that can be used to alleviate many health conditions. Packed full of vitamin C and antioxidants, dragon fruit shields your cells from free radicals and other damaging agents in the environment.
Fruit provides plenty of water and fiber, which helps regulate bowel movement and relieve constipation. Enjoy it on its own, added to a salad or mixed in with other types of fruits for maximum nutritional benefit.
Dragon fruit contains several beneficial nutrients for the digestive system, such as magnesium, potassium, and calcium. Furthermore, it helps improve heart and liver health.
Eating dragon fruit may reduce the risk of certain cancers, such as lung and breast cancer. It also helps reduce inflammation and oxidative stress which could increase these diseases’ likelihood.
Dragon fruit is safe to consume during pregnancy as it contains carbohydrates, dietary fibre, sugars, and minerals that provide essential nutrition for the mother-to-be.
Who should avoid eating dragon fruit?
It is generally safe for pregnant women to eat dragon fruit. Together with vitamins and antioxidants, dragon fruit provides a rich source of carbs and natural sugars.
Eating small servings of dragon fruit during pregnancy can provide many benefits, such as helping to prevent anemia.
However, pregnant women should practice moderation when consuming dragon fruit and should avoid unpasteurized juice, as it may contain harmful bacteria.
Those who are allergic to dragon fruit should not eat it during pregnancy.
What Is the Most Common Fruit Allergy?
The three most typical fruit allergies are to kiwi, peach, and apple. Pollen and the proteins in uncooked fruits, vegetables, and tree nuts cross-react, resulting in these allergies.
Apple, apricot, cherry, kiwi, peach, pear, and plum allergies are associated with birch pollen, while grass pollen is associated with melon allergies.
Bananas, citrus fruits including oranges, tomatoes, strawberries, and kiwi fruit are some additional fruits that might trigger allergic responses.
Fruit allergies can cause a wide range of uncomfortable, serious, and even fatal symptoms.
It is advised that you schedule an appointment with your doctor or an allergist for a diagnosis and treatment if you have a physical reaction to a particular kind of fruit.
