Description
Grape Allergy Test
Code: f259
Latin name: Vitis vinifera
Source material: Fresh fruit
Family: Vitaceae
Common names: Grape
Grape is a food which may result in allergy symptoms in sensitised individuals.
Grape Allergy Test: Allergen Exposure
Grapes are one of the oldest cultivated fruits, having been grown by humans for thousands of years. The plant grows in temperate and subtropical climates, especially around the Mediterranean, and is farmed for its fruit which is consumed either directly or as juice. Grape juice is widely used in the production of wine, with France, Italy, and Spain among the major producers. In recent years, grapes have been produced in greater numbers in South America, Africa and Asia.
The composition of the pulp of the ripe fruit varies widely, depending on the variety of vine, the climate, the physicochemical characteristics of the soil, and the agricultural methods employed
Grape Allergy Test: Allergen Description
While a number of allergenic proteins have been isolated, few of these have been characterised. Assessing grape allergens is made more difficult by the low protein and high tannin and pectin concentrations of grape.
Grape allergy may be specific to a certain grape variety while there is tolerance to others, and some patients may be allergic to grape but not wine, whereas others might not tolerate grape, wine or raisins.
Allergens which have been characterised include among them a lipid transfer protein, a profilin, a chitinase-like protein, and a thaumatin-like protein. The lipid transfer protein is a major allergen and may sensitise between 70% and 100% of grape-allergic individuals. Severe grape allergy has been linked to lipid transfer protein sensitisation.
Grape Allergy Test: Potential Cross-Reactivity
Cross-reactivity between grapes and Rosaceae fruits can be expected.
Grape contains a thaumatin, a protein analogous to the cherry thaumatin-like allergen, which may result in cross-reactivity with other foods containing this panallergen. However, the protein is a minor allergen in grape.
Grape also contains a lipid transfer protein, which may result in cross-reactivity with other lipid transfer protein-containing foods such as peach and cherry. Lipid transfer protein is a widely cross-reacting plant panallergen found in Rosaceae, tree nuts, peanut, beer, maize, mustard, asparagus, grape, mulberry, cabbage, date, orange, fig, kiwi, lupin, fennel, celery, tomato, eggplant, lettuce, chestnut and pineapple.
Cross-reactivity has also been reported to occur among apricot, avocado, banana, cherry, chestnut, grape, kiwi, papaya, passion fruit, peach and pineapple, as well as between grape and peach, and between grape and cherry.
Grape Allergy Test: Clinical Experience
Grape has been reported to cause oral allergy syndrome, generalised urticaria, asthma, atopic dermatitis, angioedema, gastro-intestinal symptoms, hypotension, rhinitis, and exercised-induced asthma and anaphylaxis.
Adverse reactions to wine may be caused by allergic reactions to grape, but may also be the result of the presence of other components in the wine such as sulphites, histamine or alcohol. The composition of red wines is affected by both the active wine-making process and aging.
Other reactions
Some patients complain of abdominal distension and excessive flatus after ingesting grape. This has been attributed to the presence of fructose in grape.
After wine consumption, symptoms such as flush, rhinitis, asthma, and migraine are not rare. Such symptoms could be caused by an immediate-type reaction to grape or moulds, as well as by intolerance reactions to histamine and sulphite.
Vine pollen could be the cause of rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma in allergic individuals living in areas with a high density of vineyards.
You enjoy a refreshing glass of wine with dinner, but afterward, you notice a stuffy nose, a headache, or even an upset stomach. While you might blame the alcohol, these symptoms could indicate a grape allergy, which often goes unnoticed due to its uncommon nature. Grapes are a hidden ingredient in many products, making it important to understand if they’re behind your discomfort.
Symptoms of a grape allergy
If you experience the following symptoms after consuming grapes or grape-based products, it might indicate an allergy:
- Digestive issues: Nausea, bloating, or diarrhoea.
- Skin reactions: Hives, redness, or itching.
- Respiratory problems: Sneezing, wheezing, or nasal congestion.
- Oral reactions: Tingling or swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat.
- Severe reactions: In rare cases, anaphylaxis, which may include difficulty breathing or low blood pressure.
These symptoms may occur after eating fresh grapes, drinking wine, or consuming products containing grape derivatives like raisins or juice.
What is a grape allergy?
A grape allergy happens when your immune system identifies proteins in grapes as harmful, triggering a response. This allergy can extend to products like wine, grape juice, or dried grapes (raisins). It’s distinct from sensitivities to sulfites found in wine, which may cause similar symptoms but stem from different triggers.
Why can a grape allergy be a problem?
Grapes and grape-derived ingredients appear in a wide range of foods and beverages, including:
- Wines, champagnes, and grape-based spirits.
- Jams, jellies, and sauces.
- Baked goods with raisins or grape concentrates.
This versatility can make avoiding grapes challenging, especially when ingredient labelling isn’t clear.
What should I do if I suspect a grape allergy?
If you suspect grapes or grape-derived products might be causing your symptoms, it’s essential to confirm this with allergy testing. Knowing your triggers allows you to make safer dietary choices and avoid reactions.
Why choose our grape allergy testing kit?
Discover if grapes are affecting your health with our grape allergy testing kit.
- Simple process: Collect two finger prick samples, follow the instructions, and send your kit in the prepaid envelope. Results are ready in no more than three weeks.
- Accurate results: Our cutting-edge technology ensures precise and reliable insights into your sensitivity to grapes.
- Convenience: Test for grape sensitivity from the comfort of your home.
- Comprehensive testing: We assess specific markers related to grape allergies, providing a detailed analysis.
- Expert consultation: Receive personalised guidance from our specialists once your results are available.
Take control of your grape allergy
Don’t let grape-related symptoms disrupt your meals or celebrations. Our grape allergy testing kit and expert support provide you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your diet and health. Order your kit today and step into a healthier, more comfortable lifestyle.
