An estimated 1.5 million Americans suffer from lupus, according to the Lupus Foundation of America or LFA. An autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation in the oints, muscles, lungs, heart and other bodily systems, lupus primarily affects women starting between the ages of 15 and 44. Normally, the immune system protects your body from toxins and infectious viruses. An autoimmune disorder occurs when your body attacks its own systems, mistakenly believing it's encountered a harmful invader. Alfalfa is a legume that may produce lupus-like flares, according to Lupus Now Magazine.
About Alfalfa
Legumes are part of the plant family that includes green beans, peanuts and snow peas. Alfalfa sprouts are an herb with a variety of medicinal purposes; but when converted to a tablet, which is manufactured with all parts of the plant except for the leaves, it has been associated with causing symptoms similar to those of lupus. Lupus Now Magazine reports this reaction comes from amino acids in alfalfa seeds and sprouts. Avoiding alfalfa products is beneficial for anyone with lupus or a family history of the disease. The LFA says to beware of food products that can contain alfalfa, such as vitamins and herbal teas.
Uses
Alfalfa is an herb that is cultivated for the medicinal properties in its sprouts and seeds. It's used for the treatment of kidney conditions, bladder and prostate problems and to increase the flow of urine. According to Consumer Reports, alfalfa sprouts are a source of vitamins A, C, E, K-4 and the minerals calcium, potassium, phosphorus and iron. Scientific evidence indicates that alfalfa is "possibly safe" for most adults. Taking alfalfa seeds can, however, cause the immune system to become more active and can worsen lupus symptoms. There are reports of patients experiencing lupus flares after taking alfalfa products long-term.
Interactions
Consuming alfalfa could interfere with the actions of immunosuppressant medications used for the treatment of lupus. Alfalfa has been assigned a rating of "moderate" by Consumer Reports for its interaction with drugs such as azathioprine, basiliximab and cyclosporine that help suppress immune irregularities. The herb may also interfere with vitamin E absorption, according to the National Institutes of Health or NIH. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that acts as an antioxidant and helps improve immune function.
Considerations
Another common symptom of lupus is photosensitivity. The LFA reports that "photosensitivity has been identified in one-half to three-fourths of people with systemic lupus." According to the NIH, large doses of alfalfa can also increase light sensitivity. People with the autoimmune disorder who take alfalfa supplements may be more prone to sunburn, blistering and red scaly rashes when exposed to sunlight.
References
- Lupus Foundation of America: Statistics on Lupus
- Lupus Now; The ABCs of Nutrition: Answers to Your Diet and Nutrition Questions; Jenny Thorn Palter; Spring 2010
- The Skin Cancer Foundation: Sunburn; Deborah Sarnoff et al.; 2008
- Consumer Reports: Alfalfa
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin E
- National Institutes of Health: Alfalfa; November 2010
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