There is conflicting information concerning whether or not a person with a nut allergy should eat coconut oil, according to the Food Allergy Initiative. It wasn't until 2006 that the FDA began defining coconuts as tree nuts. This occurred due to a small number of documented cases of allergic reactions to coconut. Coconut comes from the palm family and is not related to the nut family. You should talk with your doctor about whether or not you should ingest coconut oil.
Nut Allergy
A nut allergy primarily refers to tree nuts, such as almonds, walnuts and hazelnuts. Peanuts are considered a legume, but are commonly grouped with nut allergies because of similar proteins, according to Kids Health. When you have a nut allergy, your immune system overreacts to the proteins in the nut. The body mistakes the proteins as dangerous and starts to defend itself with a defense system. This defense system includes the production of antibodies and other chemicals. The chemicals produced result in common nut allergy symptoms.
Testing
Your doctor may recommend a skin prick test to determine if you will experience an allergic reaction to coconut oil. To perform the test, a tiny amount of coconut proteins is inserted under your skin to see if your skin becomes inflamed or develops a rash.
Symptoms
Knowing the symptoms of a nut allergy will help you identify if coconut oil is causing an allergic reaction. Symptoms will develop within a few minutes after you ingest nuts or coconut oil and can include hives, eczema, rashes, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramping, difficulty breathing, wheezing, shortness of breath and sinus pressure.
Severe Reaction
Like any food-related allergy, you may develop a severe allergic reaction after consuming coconut oil. If you develop an increased heart rate, hives, swelling in the lips, tongue or face and lightheadedness, call 911 for immediate medical attention. A severe allergic reaction can cause potentially life-threatening symptoms.
