The kiwi allergic according to scientific study

The kiwi is a significant food allergen that can cause severe reactions, especially in young children who have other allergies. The warning comes from a British study. The kiwi has been recognized as a food allergen for over 20 years, but this is the first large-scale study that specifically investigated the clinical characteristics of kiwi allergy in children and adults.

Nearly 300 people responded to a questionnaire by mail of researchers from the University of Southampton. Forty-five people who reported symptoms that indicated they could be allergic to kiwi were invited to a clinical trial. Tests revealed that nearly half of those 45 people were allergic to kiwi.

Among the reactions are rashes, vomiting, abdominal pain, burning in the mouth and swelling of lips, tongue and face. The reactions were more severe difficulty breathing, with wheezing and collapse.