Yes, one can be allergic to mango. While not as common as other food allergies, it is possible to experience an allergic reaction to this fruit.
According to information from June 8, 2024, a mango allergy is uncommon and may not always fit typical assumptions about food allergies. Mangoes can indeed cause an allergic reaction.
How Mango Allergies Occur
One frequent way a mango allergy manifests is through oral allergy syndrome (OAS), sometimes referred to as "mango mouth". This occurs because the body recognizes certain proteins in mango as being similar to proteins found in specific pollens (a phenomenon called cross-reactivity).
When someone with pollen allergies eats mango, their immune system might mistakenly identify the fruit's proteins as the troublesome pollen proteins, triggering an allergic response around the mouth and throat.
Understanding Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS)
- OAS is a type of allergic reaction that happens upon contact with certain raw fruits, vegetables, or nuts.
- It is strongly linked to pollen allergies; people with hay fever are often more susceptible to OAS from specific foods.
- Symptoms are usually localized to the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat.
Symptoms of Mango Allergy
The symptoms of a mango allergy, especially via OAS, can include:
- Itching or tingling in the mouth
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
- A rash around the mouth
In rare cases, a more severe systemic reaction (anaphylaxis) is possible, though this is less common with OAS.
Mango Allergy vs. Skin Reaction
It's important to note that some people experience a rash or skin irritation after touching the mango skin, particularly around the mouth. This is often due to contact dermatitis caused by urushiol, the same compound found in poison ivy and poison oak, which is present in the skin and sap of mangoes. This is a different type of reaction than a true IgE-mediated food allergy or OAS triggered by consuming the fruit's flesh.
Is Mango Allergy Common?
As the reference states, a mango allergy is uncommon. This means it's not a frequently diagnosed food allergy compared to allergies like peanut or dairy allergies.
