Anaphylactic reactions to ingested carmine (E120) |
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| Authors: | B. Wü thrich,M. K. Kä gi,W. Stü cker |
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| Affiliation: | Allergy Unit, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland;Dr Fooke Laboratories GmbH, Neuss, Germany |
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| Abstract: | We report five cases of anaphylactic reaction to carmine (cochineal. E120) after patients drank an alcoholic beverage. By means of positive skin prick tests (SPT) and positive RAST to carmine, IgE-mediated sensitization could be established. One nonalopic patient showed also a great amount of serum IgE antibodies to the carmine acid-albumin conjugate. Due to its widespread use in the food and cosmetic industry, carmine should be tested in the allergy work-up in case of allergic reactions after a drink or a meal. |
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| Keywords: | allergy anaphylaxis carmine red carminic acid cochineal carmine E120 specific IgE |
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