Chocolate allergy
Allergy to chocolate or cocoa is very rare. A survey shows that only 1 out of 500 who believe they have chocolate allergy, in fact tested positive to the chocolate.
The most frequent complaints are headache or migraine after ingestion of chocolate. These reactions are probably more intolerance or sensitivity than food allergies.
Most probably these reactions are due to other ingredients of chocolate such as milk, soybean, lecithin, gluten and nuts.
There are 380 known additives in chocolate. They can have pleasant and unpleasant effects.
Signs and symptoms of chocolate allergy
There are several symptoms experienced by people that have an allergy to chocolate or chocolate ingredients. These symptoms may be caused by the chemicals in chocolate or by the other ingredients. Reactions to chocolate may include:
- Headache
- Heartburn
- Rectal itching
- Hives
- Confusion
- Breathing problems
In severely allergic people, chocolate allergies may trigger anaphylaxis – an allergic reaction involving two or more body systems that can lead to the potentially life-threatening anaphylactic shock. Symptoms of anaphylaxis may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Chest pain or tightness
- Confusion
- Severe drop in blood pressure
- Heart palpitations
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea or stomach cramps
- Loss of consciousness
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