Citric acid is a naturally occurring chemical in various foods, such as lemons and limes. The chemical is also synthetically made for use in various processed foods, such as jellies, meats and cheeses. If you have an allergy to citric acid, you need to avoid all foods that contain this chemical because it could lead to severe reactions. A citric acid food allergy may be difficult to diagnose because it is uncommon and may be hidden in a wide range of foods. An allergist is the most qualified medical professional to diagnose your condition.
Allergic Reaction
An allergic reaction can occur with any chemical or substance that enters the body that the immune system doesn't identify as safe. Allergic reactions are the result of a malfunction of your immune system reacting to certain foods that most people have no reaction with. When you ingest citric acid, your body reacts to it as if it were going to harm it, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. This causes the body to defend itself by creating antibodies to attack the allergen. This reaction causes mast cells in the body to release histamine, a chemical that causes inflammation and swelling in soft tissue.
Citric Acid Avoidance
The only treatment for a citric acid food allergy is to avoid all foods and products that contain the chemical. Read the product label of all packaged foods to identify the use of this food additive. Common foods that may contain citric acid include soft drinks, desserts, jams, gels, confectionary, frozen foods, salads, processed cheese, oils and processed meats. Citric acid may also be found naturally in various citrus fruits, such as oranges, grapefruit and limes. The additive is also used in evanescent medications, commonly used in antacids.
Symptoms
Allergic reactions related to foods cause similar symptoms. After ingesting a food that contains citric acid, your immune system triggers a chemical reaction that will cause symptoms to develop in your respiratory system, your skin and digestive tract, according to MayoClinic.com. Respiratory symptoms include allergic asthma and rhinitis. Asthma can cause you to become short of breath, cough and being wheezing. Rhinitis is swelling in the sinus cavity that causes a runny nose, nasal congestion, postnasal drip and sinus headaches. Skin reactions may include eczema, hives and general skin itching. Digestive complications may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain.
Consideration
Talk with a registered dietician to develop a meal plan that excludes citric acid while maintaining proper nutrition. Eating citric acid could lead to a severe allergic reaction, which can restrict your breathing, cause your blood pressure to drop and your heart to race.
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