Grain and Wheat Allergy

Grain allergy:

Very few people suffer from severe forms of grain allergy. However, a mild sensitisation is enough to cause symptoms that can massively interfere with one’s everyday life. A grain allergy is an antigen-antibody reaction related to Immunoglobulin E; in most cases sufferers are only allergic to one or two kinds of grain. [1]

Wheat allergy:

A wheat allergy is triggered by the proteins of the wheat kernel. Wheat albumin and wheat globulin are found in the outer layers, or the skin respectively. Gluten is found in inside the kernel of the grain, the endosperm. The protein responsible for triggering an allergy can only be determined through a provocation test. If an allergy to proteins from the outer layers is present, then well-ground flours are usually tolerated. If, however, the endosperm also causes an allergic reaction, then all wheat products must be avoided. When a wheat allergy has been diagnosed, all forms of wheat must be avoided.[2] 

You can find information on diagnosis of food allergies and intolerances here

DELICARDO Foodcards:

We highly recommend the use of DELICARDO Foodcards for wheat allergy sufferers. When eating dishes prepared by someone else it is important that allergies and intolerances are clearly communicated to the cook and service personnel. During restaurant visits it is best to avoid all types of grains to avoid possible cross-contamination unless the restaurant caters especially to food allergy and intolerance suffers.

Standard DELICARDO Foodcards can be found here

To create a personalised DELICARDO Foodcard click here

Do not confuse with Gluten intolerance / Celiac disease

Helpful links and resources:

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=9&sub=20&cont=519

FAI
http://www.faiusa.org/?page=wheat

FAAN
http://www.foodallergy.org/page/wheat-allergy

About.com
http://foodallergies.about.com/od/wheatallergies/p/wheatallergy.htm

Food Standards Agency UK
http://www.eatwell.gov.uk/healthissues/foodintolerance/foodintolerancetypes/wheatallergy/

AllergyUK
http://www.allergyuk.org/fs_wheat.aspx

[1] Fehrmann: Allergien vom Tisch
[2] Fehrmann: Allergien vom Tisch