Food chemical sensitivity

Food chemical sensitivity is rare. Symptoms include migraine, urticaria and anaphylactoid reactions. IBS-type symptoms can be associated with this condition; however, these symptoms alone are not consistent with a food chemical sensitivity.

Common food chemicals are listed in Common food chemicals and food sources. Some food chemicals (eg monosodium glutamate [MSG]) are thought to stimulate nerve endings directly, causing migraine and gastrointestinal upset. Vasoactive amines (eg tyramine, serotonin, histamine) have a direct effect on small blood vessels, causing flushing, migraines and nasal congestion.

Table 1. Common food chemicals and food sources

Food chemical

Common sources [NB1]

benzoates

food additives (code numbers 210 to 218), some fruits and vegetables (especially berries) Swain, 2009

sulfites

food additives (code numbers 220 to 228), dried fruits, grape juice, lemon and lime juice, cider, wine Andreozzi, 2019Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA), 2021Swain, 2009

nitrates

food additives (code numbers 249 to 252) Swain, 2009

glutamates (eg monosodium glutamate [MSG])

food additives (code numbers 620 to 635), camembert and parmesan cheese, tomatoes, soy sauce, mushrooms, stock cubes, yeast extract Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA), 2019

vasoactive amines

(eg tyramine, serotonin, histamine)

pineapple, banana, baked meat, red wine, white wine (wood-matured), avocado, chocolate, citrus fruit, mature cheese Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA), 2019

salicylates

fruits, vegetables, nuts, herbs, jams, honey, yeast, tea, coffee, beer, wine

Note:

NB1: For an up-to-date list of food additives and their code numbers, see the Food Standards of Australia and New Zealand website.

The only way to identify which food is contributing to symptoms is to eliminate all possible food triggers for a short period, then gradually reintroduce them. See Exclusion diets for the principles of exclusion diets. If a strict exclusion diet does not relieve symptoms, an alternative explanation for symptoms should be sought.