Mace and its sibling, nutmeg, are both derived from the same Asian tree. Like cloves, mace and nutmeg were once found only in the Maluku Islands, an archipelago in modern-day Indonesia. Today, they are grown in tropical regions worldwide, and their price is correspondingly lower. Mace is the milder of the two, and has a fuller, rounder fragrance and flavor. As with other spices, allergic reactions to mace are rare but not unheard of.
Food Allergies
Foods can trigger a number of adverse reactions, not all of which are genuinely food allergies. A food allergy is a specific type of reaction caused when your body misinterprets a protein in your food as an invading microorganism. The resulting overreaction produces histamines and antibodies, which are the cause of your symptoms. True allergies can be diagnosed by testing for those antibodies. Other adverse reactions that don't involve the immune system are described by doctors as sensitivities or intolerances, though laypersons often don't draw the same distinction.
Spice Allergies
Allergens and groups of allergens, including nuts, milk and seafood, account for an estimated 90 percent of all food allergies in America, according to the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network. Spice allergies are comparatively rare. However, there is a high correlation between spice allergies and allergies to various pollens, so if you suffer from hay fever you might be more likely to react to a spice such as mace.
Mace Allergy
Allergic reactions to mace usually express themselves in the form of eczema or other forms of dermatitis, or as hay fever-like symptoms including swollen and itchy eyes, sore throat and sinus congestion. Mace allergy can also act as an asthma trigger in some people. If you have a pollen or celery allergy, you may be at higher risk for a reaction to mace, according to the All Allergy Net database. Aside from eating it in foods, mace can trigger allergic reactions as an inhalant. This can be an issue when you're baking, but it's primarily seen in those who work with the spice in an industrial workplace.
Diagnosis and Avoidance
If you suspect you've had an adverse reaction to mace, you should talk to your doctor about testing. There are several diagnostic options, including testing for antibodies specific to a single allergen. Mace and nutmeg are similar enough in flavor to be used interchangeably and similar enough biologically that you may be allergic to both. Given those two facts, it's wise to avoid anything containing either spice. This includes pumpkin pie, eggnog, sausages, pates and a variety of similar dishes. When eating out, always alert the kitchen to your allergy and double-check the safety of each menu item you order.
