Glossary

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Pseudoallergy

A bodily reaction with symptoms similar to an allergy

Among the general public, the distinction is rarely made between allergies and pseudoallergies.

Although pseudoallergies have symptoms very similar to “true” allergies, pseudoallergies are not involved with the immune system. The allergy-like symptoms are not reactions with antibodies, rather, the foods cause the reactions directly. The severity of the reaction depends on the dose.

Unlike “true” allergies, pseudoallergies do not have a sensitisation phase. Symptoms occur even at the first exposure.The following substances are common causal agents of pseudoallergies:

• Various food additives such as certain colourings and the preservatives benzoic acid and sorbic acid
• Histamines: Primarily found in fish such as tuna and sardines
• Biogenous amines are breakdown products of certain food proteins. They are often present in microbe-derived foods like yeast extract. Biogenous amines are also found in foods like chocolate, avocado, and tomatoes.
• Salicylic acid blocks fermentation and rotting in various fruits and is also present in wine. Salicylate derivatives are used in pharmaceuticals such as aspirin and anti-rheumatism drugs.