Peanuts are a common allergy-causing ingredient, especially for children, according to MayoClinic.com. A peanut allergy can be debilitating and requires you to avoid all contact with peanuts. M&Ms are a chocolate candy that come in many flavors. Even if you opt for the plain milk chocolate M&Ms, you may be at risk of an allergic reaction to peanuts.
Peanut Allergy
Peanut allergy is triggered by an immune defense reaction against a peanut protein. Your body mistakes the protein as dangerous and fights it off with antibodies know as immunoglobulin E, or IgE. The antibodies bind to the protein and are recognized by white blood cells, which respond by releasing histamine. Histamine is the molecule that is responsible for many of the allergy-related symptoms.
M&Ms
M&Ms are chocolate candy that come in flavors such as peanut butter, milk chocolate, peanut, almond and coconut. Although the milk chocolate, or original M&Ms, are not made with peanuts, they have a food label that reports “may include peanuts,” according to the AllergicChild website. This is because M&Ms are manufactured in a factory that also handles peanuts, which means there is a possibility that the candy is cross-contaminated with peanut proteins. Even trace amounts of proteins can trigger a life-threatening allergic reaction in an individual who is allergic to peanuts, according to the MayoClinic.com.
Symptoms
If you consume an M&M, you can get an allergic reaction within minutes. Mild reaction is associated with skin rash, tingling of the throat, runny nose, wheezing, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea. However, peanuts are one of the most common allergens that can cause a severe anaphylaxis reaction, associated with breathing difficulties, constriction of airways, fast heart rate, loss of consciousness and death. Anaphylaxis needs to be treated immediately with an epinephrine injection. If you have an history of anaphylaxis, your doctor may recommend you carry two doses of epinephrine injections with you at all times.
Substitutes
Substitute M&Ms with other chocolate candy that are peanut-free and not made in a factory that can lead to cross-contamination. Check food labels every time you are buying candy and other foods. If your child is allergic to peanuts, warn school officials of his allergy.
