Can you be allergic to hemp seeds?

The rise of the’plant-based diet has brought hemp to the forefront of food innovation. Thanks to its high protein content and sustainable qualities, the hemp seeds are now frequently added to high-fiber pasta, dairy-free beverages, and snacks healthy.

As reported by researchers at INRAE and the Angers University Hospital, some people may, however, experience allergic reactions after consuming these seeds, ranging from mild skin symptoms to a severe anaphylaxis.

Identifying the culprits: Edestines and Vicilines

Recent studies have focused on identifying the specific components of the hemp seed protein responsible for these reactions. Scientists used the’immunochemistry and the mass spectrometry to identify two major families of proteins, the edestines and vicilines, as potential allergens. These proteins are classified as storage proteins, which is commonly found in nuts and legumes and is often associated with serious food allergies.

«The proteins identified are similar to those found in hazelnuts,» notes the INRAE research team, raising concerns about a cross-reactivity. This would mean that people suffering from a hazelnut allergy could potentially have a reaction to hemp seed products, even if they have never consumed hemp before.

In another study Published under the title «Hemp Seeds: A Source of Allergens with Potential Cross-Reactivity to Hazelnuts,» researchers conducted ELISA tests and immunoblotting using patient serum. The results spoke for themselves: the serum from the people with hazelnut allergies exhibited a significant IgE response when exposed to hemp seed extracts, particularly to the fraction rich in storage proteins. In some cases, hemp proteins inhibited IgE binding to hazelnut proteins by up to 30%, thereby supporting the hypothesis of a immunological cross-reactivity somewhere in between.

If the’anaphylaxis caused by hemp seeds Although it is still considered rare, these in vitro results suggest that more comprehensive clinical trials are needed to assess the level of risk for vulnerable populations.

To date, most studies on cannabis allergies focused on its flowers, its leaves and its pollen, mainly because of their role in what is known as the «cannabis-fruit-vegetable syndrome». The best-known allergen, the Can S 3, a lipid transfer protein found in cannabis flowers, is not present in hemp seeds. This absence may have contributed to delaying awareness of the Possible allergies to hemp seeds.