An allergy to corn occurs when one’s immune system reacts to corn, a food with corn-based ingredients, or corn pollen. This particular allergy can be difficult to diagnose with the standard skin/blood tests, so a food-elimination diet may be a good way to test if a corn allergy is present in your body. A food-elimination diet involves removing a specific food from your diet for at least three weeks.
Most corn-derived products, such as cornstarch and high-fructose corn syrup, do not contain corn protein. Since every case of allergies is different, consult your doctor to find out what particular triggers to avoid.
Once the allergy has been diagnosed, the best method of treatment is to avoid coming into contact/consuming corn or corn-derived products.
Since corn is not in the group of food allergens that is required by the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 to have special label information, it is crucial to learn the names of products/ingredients to be cautious around.
Some of the following products to watch out for with this allergy include, but are not limited to, the following:
Food-related products:
-Baking powder
-Caramel
-Cellulose
-Citric acid
-Dextrin
-Dextrose
-Inositol
-Malt
-Maltodextrin
-Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
-Semolina
-Sodium erythorbate
-Sorbitol
-Starch
-Vanilla extract
-Xanthan gum
-Xylitol
-Cereals
-Candies
-Jams
-Syrups
-Sauces
-Snack foods
-Canned fruits
-Prepared meats (i.e. hot dogs, deli meats)
-Beverages
Other products:
-Shampoo
-Toothpaste
-IV solutions
-Vitamins
-Cosmetics
-Crayons
-Dishwashing liquid
-Clothing
-Paint
-Plastics
-Pet food
-Certain paper products
-Certain disposable diapers
Here at MASA, we provide individualized care beginning with a thorough history followed by appropriate testing to determine if you have an allergy to corn. Once a diagnosis is made, an individualized treatment plan is developed with you, the patient, in mind. Please call our office at 309-452-0995 or 217-717-4404 to book an appointment with us today.
