From the Guidelines
Yes, kale can cause oral allergy syndrome (OAS) in some individuals, particularly those with existing allergies to birch pollen or other related plants. Oral allergy syndrome occurs because proteins in certain raw fruits and vegetables, including kale, are similar to proteins found in pollen, triggering an allergic reaction 1. Symptoms typically include immediate itching, burning, or swelling of the lips, mouth, and throat after consuming the food. While OAS symptoms usually resolve quickly within minutes to hours after exposure, it's uncommon for taste alterations to persist for weeks. If you're experiencing prolonged taste changes after eating kale, this may indicate a different issue or a more severe allergic reaction that warrants medical attention. People with OAS can often tolerate the same foods when they're cooked, as heating breaks down the proteins responsible for the reaction.
Key Points to Consider
- The most recent and highest quality study on food allergies, including OAS, is from 1, which provides guidelines for the management of atopic dermatitis and highlights the importance of proper diagnosis and management of food allergies.
- According to 1, food allergy diagnosis requires documentation of a clinical history of a food allergic reaction, and testing includes a food-specific IgE test and/or skin prick tests.
- It is essential to consult with an allergist for proper diagnosis and management strategies if you suspect kale is causing allergic symptoms. They can help determine the best course of action, which may include cooking kale thoroughly before consumption or avoiding it altogether.
Management and Prevention
- Comprehensive counseling regarding food allergy includes food avoidance and appropriate nutritional monitoring, label reading, recognition of the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, and how and when to use an epinephrine autoinjector device 1.
- Current research focuses on finding a treatment for food allergy, including oral immunotherapy, sublingual immunotherapy, and Chinese herbal medicine 1.
From the Research
Oral Allergy Syndrome and Kale
- Oral allergy syndrome (OAS) is a common adverse reaction to the ingestion of certain foods, especially in atopic individuals 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The symptoms of OAS may include pruritus of the lips, tongue, and mouth, and can be triggered by a variety of foods, including fruits, nuts, and vegetables 4, 5.
- OAS is often associated with cross-reactivity between proteins in pollen and proteins in food, which can lead to allergic symptoms limited mainly to the oral cavity 4, 5.
Kale and Oral Allergy Syndrome
- While kale is not specifically mentioned in the provided studies as a trigger food for OAS, it is a vegetable that contains proteins that could potentially cross-react with pollen proteins 4, 5.
- However, there is no direct evidence in the provided studies to suggest that kale can cause OAS or affect taste for weeks 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.