Allergic Reaction to Chocolate Pudding

Allergic Reaction to Chocolate Pudding
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Most chocolate products contain casein, a protein found in cow’s milk. Chocolate pudding contains a range of various proteins from milk, the cocoa bean and soy. If you are hypersensitive to any of these proteins, avoid eating chocolate pudding. Most people have no problem digesting the proteins in chocolate pudding, but if you experience adverse reactions, call your doctor and stop eating the food. It’s possible that the casein and other proteins in chocolate pudding can trigger a severe allergic reaction.

Milk Proteins in Chocolate Pudding

Every food or beverage you consume contains specific proteins. Cow’s milk contains casein and whey proteins. Casein proteins are found in the portion of milk that curdles, and whey is primarily in the liquid part of the milk, according to the Nemours Foundation's Kids Health website. The proteins in certain foods can trigger a hypersensitivity or allergic reaction. Chocolate pudding typically contains more than one highly allergic food. If you have any food allergies, read the product label of the pudding before consuming it to determine whether or not it contains proteins that may trigger an allergic reaction.

Milk Allergic Reaction

If you are allergic to milk, consuming chocolate will trigger hypersensitivity because of the casein or whey proteins. Hypersensitivity is an exaggerated immune system reaction to certain proteins found in various foods, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information's PubMed Health website. During hypersensitivity, your immune system overreacts, causing your body to defend itself with antibodies, histamine and other chemicals. This type of reaction leads to common allergy-related symptoms.

Common Symptoms

Hypersensitivities that occur from eating chocolate that contain proteins and other allergens can result in adverse reactions in your skin, digestive system, respiratory system and cardiovascular system. Common symptoms may include skin irritation, hives, itchiness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramping, nasal congestion, wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, sinus headaches, lightheadedness and dizziness, according to MayoClinic.com. All symptoms need to be reported to your doctor.

Warning

Consuming chocolate pudding may cause anaphylaxis, a severe systematic allergic reaction. If you have a severe allergic reaction, call 911 immediately to prevent further complications. Anaphylaxis may cause the inability to breathe, an increased heart rate, feeling faint, a drop in blood pressure, ringing in your ears and mental confusion. Because anaphylaxis affects your entire body, it can lead to death if not treated.

References

Article reviewed by Eric Lochridge Last updated on: Sep 6, 2011

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