A banana is a highly recommended nutritious fruit to treat stomach upset, yet it causes discomfort and pain in others. A latex-fruit allergy, or vasoactive amines intolerance, is the likely cause for persistent abdominal cramps after you consume a banana.
Latex-Fruit Allergy
Due to the latex-fruit cross reactivity, it is difficult to diagnose banana related abdominal cramping that is caused by an allergy to latex. According to a study published in 2003 in "Current Allergy and Asthma Reports," the latex allergens cross reacting with fruit allergens is called a latex fruit syndrome. A defense protein found in bananas called chitinases causes the reaction. Chitinases is a protein enzyme similar to an allergen found in latex called hevein. Therefore, the body identifies chitinases as a pathogen and attacks it, which causes abdominal cramping sensation.
Vasoactive Amines Intolerance
Banana intolerance is the alternate cause of abdominal cramping. The stomach reacts to vasoactive amines found in bananas. Vasoactive amines include phenyl-ethylamine, histamine, serotonin, tyramine and dopamine. Serotonin is the most prominent vasoactive amine in banana. The abdominal cramping is a reaction to the high serotonin in the banana. A stronger reaction is caused if a larger amount of banana is consumed. Symptoms include migraines, nausea, coughing and heart palpitations. The only way to diagnose vasoactive amines intolerance is through a dietary history and trial to exclude other foods high in vasoactive amines.
Other Food Allergies
Other fruits and food similar to bananas that are high in chitinases or vasoactive amines could also cause abdominal cramping and other symptoms. Chestnuts, avocados, almonds and buckwheat are among foods high in chitinases, which increases the likelihood that these foods will cause similar symptoms to bananas. Foods high in serotonin include eggplants, tomatoes, walnuts and avocados. Avocados are high in both chitinases and serotonin and are the most likely fruits to cause a similar reaction to bananas.
Considerations
There is no treatment for banana allergies and intolerance. Determine whether the abdominal cramping is an allergy or intolerance. Speak to a dietician or nutritionist for a diagnoses and complete list of food to avoid when the cause is determined. Although it is unlikely, a severe reaction can occur if a high level of the allergen is consumed this may require an epinephrine auto injector, also known as an EpiPen. Discuss your allergies with a doctor.
References
- MedlinePlus: Abdominal Pain
- "Current Allergy and Asthma Reports"; Latex-Fruit Syndrome; C. Blanco; January 2003
- "Food Hypersensitivity: Diagnosing and Managing Food Allergies and Intolerance"; Isabel Skypala, et al.; 2009
- National Institutes of Health: Latex-Fruit Syndrome and Class 2 Food Allergy
- "The New Complete Book of Food: a Nutritional, Medical, and Culinary Guide"; Carol Ann Rinzler; et al.; 2009
