Amaretto is an almond liqueur made with almonds or apricot kernel oil. Almond is a common allergen that belongs to the plum family of tree nuts, according to Dr. Anthony Ham-Pong, a lecturer at the University of Ottawa and a contributor to the Calgary Allergy Network. Although some amaretto liqueurs do not contain any almonds, you may still get a reaction when you drink them because of the apricot kernel oil.
Allergies
An allergy develops when your immune system attacks an unknown molecule, such as a protein found in a food such as amaretto liqueur. Your body thinks the protein is harmful and produces immunoglobulin E antibodies to neutralize it. Once this reaction has occurred, these IgE antibodies remain in your body, and every time you consume the allergen, such as almonds, they trigger an allergic reaction.
Symptoms
If you consume amaretto and are allergic to one of its ingredients, you can experience allergic symptoms after you consume the liqueur. Hives, runny nose, watery eyes, itchy skin, sneezing, coughing, choking, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are common symptoms associated with food allergy. In severe cases, you may also suffer from an anaphylactic shock, which is a life-threatening condition that can cause swelling of your throat and breathing difficulties. Symptoms of an almond allergy can occur immediately you consume amaretto or other almond products, or it can take up to four hours to develop, according to Dr. Ham-Pong.
Prevention
In order to prevent allergic reaction, avoid contact with amaretto as well as any food that contains almonds. Common sources of almonds include marzipan, almond mocha, chocolate, cookies, candy, desserts, baked goods, doughnuts, granola, breakfast cereals, trail mix and muesli. Many foods that do not contain almonds may still cause allergy symptoms if eaten. This can occur if the food is made in a facility that processes almonds. Trace amounts of almonds can be enough to cause an allergic reaction.
Cross-Reactivity
Not all amaretto liqueurs are made with almonds. Some are made with apricot kernel oil. However, almonds belong to the prunoideae subfamily of fruits together with plums, cherries, apricots and peaches. If you are allergic to almonds, it is possible for you to have an allergic reaction when you eat other fruits from this subfamily. A study published in "The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology" in 1994 showed that all these fruits contain a common allergen that is recognized by the same IgE antibody. However, you may be able to consume an almond-free amaretto without any symptoms, unless you are allergic to apricots.
Treatment
Mild allergic reactions, such as skin rash, runny nose and tingling of the mouth, can be treated with over-the-counter antihistamines, according to the MayoClinic.com. If you experience symptoms of anaphylactic shock — such as difficulty breathing or swallowing, nausea or dizziness — seek immediate medical attention. You may need a shot of epinephrine to resolve the symptoms. If you have a history of anaphylaxis, you may need to carry an epinephrine injection with you at all times.
References
- Calgary Allergy Network: Tree Nut Allergies; Antony Ham-Pong
- MayoClinic.com; Food Allergy; February 2011
- "The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology"; Allergenic Cross-Reactivity Among Peach, Apricot, Plum, and Cherry in Patients with Oral Allergy Syndrome: an in vivo and in vitro Study; E.A. Pastorello, et al.; 1994
