But allergens can be hidden in processed foods too, leading to unexpectedallergic reactions.
Over the years, there have been many reports of allergic reactions to these oils.
Despite this, the product label may simply read “vegetable oil.”
Verywell / Zorica Lakonic
Most vegetable oils are highly refined.
These proteins are what cause allergic reactions.
There is a risk that refined vegetable oils will still contain a small amount of proteins.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
For some people with very severe allergies, refined oil can trigger an allergic reaction.
Peanut Oil Allergy
Peanut allergyis becoming more and more common.
Peanut oil is used in cooking and food processing.
It can be found in both crude and refined forms.
Refined might also be referred to as “heat processed.”
A single peanut contains about 200 milligrams (mg) of protein.
Eating far less than that can cause anallergic reactionin most people with a peanut allergy.
Peanut proteins are virtually eliminated during the refining process.
But even refined peanut oil can still contain tiny traces of peanut protein.
To help avoid an allergic reaction, always choose highly refined oils.
For example, one person had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to soybean oil in a pillowcase.
Those proteins are mostly removed during the refining process.
Nonetheless, anaphylaxis triggered by small amounts of proteins in refined sunflower seed oil has been reported.
In each case, the person had a very severe sunflower seed allergy.
Sesame seed oil is typically used differently from many of the other vegetable oils.
It is often used to flavor food because of its rich taste.
For this reason, sesame seed oil is typically crude and contains high levels of sesame proteins.
Let your waiter know which oils are a no-go for you.
If you ever feel your waiter seems unsure, don’t hesitate to ask for the manager.
Allergic reactions to these oils are relatively rare.
Even so, it’s best to avoid crude oils made from any substance you are allergic to.
That means the oil will have high amounts of the protein that causes allergic reactions.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Crude oils are pure, so they contain all the proteins that are responsible for causing allergic reactions.
Sampson HA.Food allergy: Past, present and future.Allergol Int.
2016;48(3):103-106.
