Foods and beverages can contain acids such as citric acid or malic acid. Acids occur naturally in some foods but can also be manufactured synthetically and added to food products. Food allergies can be quite severe and can become life threatening. If you have a reaction to acidic foods and drinks, you may have an allergy, and knowing the signs and symptoms can help you work with your doctor to determine the appropriate course of treatment.
Definition
An allergic reaction to foods or beverages that contain acids occurs when your immune system reacts more strongly than normal to the presence of these substances. When your body works normally, it is able to defend you from the potentially harmful effects of acids like citric and malic acids, two of the acids most commonly found in food and drink products. If you are allergic to acids, your body reacts by producing histamine, which is what causes your symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms
If you do have an allergy to certain acids, you may experience a range of uncomfortable and potentially life-threatening, symptoms. If you experience any of the symptoms of a food allergy, seek immediate medical attention. The most common allergic reactions to acids occur in the facial area and include hives and swelling of the lips, tongue and throat. An allergy to citric acid may also cause difficulty breathing. Myron A. Lipkowitz and Tova Navarra, authors of "Encyclopedia of Allergies," note that citric acid can also cause anaphylaxis, which is severe difficulty breathing and can be fatal if not treated. According to the authors, a citric acid allergy can cause headaches or migraines; and other acids in foods, drinks and cosmetic products may lead to rash, itching, nausea or abdominal pain in people who are allergic to them.
Acids
Citric acid is found naturally in citrus fruits but is also added to certain citrus-flavored foods and beverages to increase tartness and extend shelf life and in some cases to add vitamin C to the product. Malic and fumaric acid are added to certain foods to improve flavor, as well as to inhibit the growth of bacteria. Tartaric acid is present in a limited number of foods and is used to enhance flavor. An acid allergy can occur in response to naturally occurring citric acid as well as to man-made acids added to consumables and certain medications and supplements.
Food Sources
Citric acid, present in oranges, grapefruits, lemons and limes, is one of the most common allergens among acids, though the incidence of allergy to citric acid is still very low. If you are allergic to citric acid, you need to avoid citrus-flavored foods and beverages, as well as foods and drinks that have added citric acid to increase the vitamin C content. Malic acid is present in many fruit-flavored beverages, candy, canned tomato products and canned fruit pie fillings. Fumaric acid is added to fruit drinks, gelatin, pie fillings, pre-made biscuit dough and certain brands of wine. Tartaric acid is commonly added to jelly, jam, grape-flavored foods and drinks, pudding and evaporated milk.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Food Allergy
- Emerging Technologies for Food Processing; Da-Wen Sun
- Drugs.com: Citric Acid and Sodium Citrate
- Encyclopedia of Allergies; Myron A. Lipkowitz and Tova Navarra
