Some people have a carrot allergy or develop one, so it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of this condition.
What is a Carrot Allergy?
A carrot allergy is a condition in which a person has an allergic reaction to certain proteins in carrots. This protein is very similar to proteins in birch tree pollen, which is a common allergen. The reaction can be quite severe in some people, but moderate in others. This allergic reaction is far more likely to occur if you are eating raw carrots since cooking carrots will help to denature the proteins, so your body won’t react to them. [1]
Symptoms of Carrot Allergy
The most common symptoms of this type of allergy include itching and swelling. Other symptoms include gastrointestinal symptoms, hives, runny nose, itchy eyes, and even anaphylaxis. The severity of this reaction is difficult to predict, but the onset of symptoms is known to happen quite quickly, from within a few minutes to a few hours. Anaphylaxis can manifest very quickly as well, so knowledge of carrot allergies is very important. [2]
Carrots help to lower cholesterol levels. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Risk Factors Related to Carrot Allergy
The primary risk factor is eating carrots or other vegetables/herbs in the same family, such as parsley, dill, coriander or celery, among others.
Carrot Allergy Treatment
The best way to treat this allergy is to avoid carrots altogether, and also to get tested for allergies by your doctor. If your allergic reaction to carrots is severe, see a doctor immediately.
