Gelatin's presence extends beyond the ubiquitous fruit-flavored snack. It can be found in medications, vitamins, vaccinations, candies and other food products, where it acts as a sealing agent or preservative. According to the Vegetarian Resource Group, all gelatin is sourced from animals, which can cause allergic reactions in some people.
What Is Gelatin?
The Vegetarian Resource Group reports that gelatin is a protein extracted from pigskin, and the bones and hide of cows. It is found in any food that has a gel-like texture or feel, as it smooths and thickens. Desserts, non-dairy whipped topping, marshmallows and candies such as gummy bears incorporate gelatin as a primary ingredient. It is also found in vitamins and drugs with a hard or soft capsule coating. Any pill that is translucent or has the appearance of being see through, generally contains gelatin.
Detection
The most common trigger for gelatin allergies is vaccination. A pair of Japanese medical studies have found that the gelatin in the measles-mumps-rubella and pertussis vaccines can trigger anaphylaxis and hives in children with a gelatin allergy. The Kitasato Institute in Tokyo led a study, published in the "Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology," which found that the combination of the pertussis and diphtheria and tetanus toxoid vaccines, or DTaP, presents the greatest risk. A previous study conducted by Japan's National Institute of Health found that the allergic reaction may not occur with vaccination, but could avail itself later in life.
Allergy Vs. Intolerance
Studies in published in the "Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology" reference the presence of IgE antibodies in individuals with a gelatin allergy. Individuals who react to gelatin but do not possess the antibodies have a gelatin intolerance. Food intolerances exist when your body is incapable of digesting a protein. According to the website Food Reactions, a gelatin intolerance occurs when the body does not produce the enzyme gelatinase.
Avoiding Gelatin
Dodging gelatin requires a close inspection of ingredients. Many margarines and low-fat yogurts contain gelatin, so eating healthy may expose you to the substance. Gelatin alternatives, either plant-sourced or synthetic, are available. Vegetarian gelatin contains different properties than true animal gelatin, according to the Vegetarian Resource Group, and includes agar-agar and carrageen, each derived from seaweed, . Many natural food stores and websites carry special vitamins that are gelatin-free, while doctors can prescribe gelatin-free medications.
References
- Vegetarian Resource Group: What is Gelatin Made From?
- "Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology;" A clinical analysis of gelatin allergy…; T. Nakayama, et al; Feb. 1999.
- "Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology;" Food allergy to gelatin in children with systemic immediate-type reactions, including anaphylaxis, to vaccines; M. Sakaguchi; Dec. 1996.
- Food Reactions: Food Intolerance
- Peta.org: Gelatin Alternatives
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