Corn Allergy
Corn Allergy is a relatively uncommon allergy. Most corn allergy reactions are mild, but severe reactions have been reported. Corn allergy can result in anaphylaxis after the ingestion of corn or corn-related foods, but severe reactions after exposure to cornstarch in surgical gloves have also been reported.
Corn is a cereal grain with proteins that are similar to those in other cereal grains such as wheat. Unlike wheat, which is a common food allergen, allergic reactions to corn are much less common. Corn allergy symptoms can occur as a result of eating both raw and cooked corn. Those with corn allergy may also have typical allergic rhinitis and/or asthma, upon exposure to corn pollen, grass pollen, and cornstarch.
As with other food allergies, avoidance of corn and corn-related foods is the main way to prevent future reactions.
It is important to remember that food manufacturers may change the ingredients in the product without warning. It is a good idea to always read the product label before consuming the product. It is much easier to prevent a food-allergic reaction than to treat one.
Food Label Items That Contain Corn
- Corn
- Corn flour
- Cornmeal Popcorn
- Maize
- Hominy
- Grits
Foods That May Contain Trace Amounts of Corn Protein
these foods are less likely to cause sensitivity
- Baking powder
- Gum (vegetable)
- Caramel coloring
- Glucose (commercially prepared)
- Cornstarch
- Powdered sugar
- Corn sugar
- Starch (food, vegetable, modified food starch)
- Corn sweetener
- Sorbitol
- Dextrose
Food Items That Can Be Used Instead of Corn
- Aspartame
- Potato starch
- Fruit juices
- Tapioca
- Honey
- Wheat starch
- Beet or cane sugar
- Soda
- Maple syrup
- Cream of tartar
- Rice starch
- Baking powder: 1 tsp. baking powder can be replaced with 1 1/4 tsp. cream of tartar and 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- Corn oil: coconut, olive, sunflower, safflower, butter
- Corn syrup: molasses, sorghum, honey
- Cornstarch: potato, arrowroot, rice, all-purpose flour to thicken gravy
- Powdered sugar: substitute with white granulated sugar mixed in blender until powdery
- Links to articles about food allergies
- An Overview of Food Allergies
- Food Families
- 10 Helpful Hints for Coping with Food Allergies
- Reading Food Labels for Allergies
- Anaphylaxis
Substitutes For Corn-derived Products
Recommended Reading for Food Allergies
Helpful Food Allergy Video Resources
