WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT TREE NUT ALLERGIES

Allergies to nuts that grow on trees are some of the most common food allergies among both children and adults. The six most common tree nut allergens are walnut, pecan, cashew, chestnut, pistachio, and hazelnut. However, U.S. labeling requirements necessitate the labeling of 18 different tree nuts on food packages. Many people who are allergic to one tree nut have an allergy to at least one other. Tree nuts are known to cause higher numbers of anaphylaxis (life-threatening reactions) than many other allergens because they contain higher numbers of proteins that bind to the antibodies in the immune system that cause allergic reactions. People with this allergy should always carry an epinephrine pen (an injection that reverses allergic reactions).

P.S. Peanuts, another common allergen, are legumes that grow underground and are not related to tree nuts.

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