Effect of apple heat modification in Oral Allergy Syndrome
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Effect of heat modification on apple allergenicity in oral allergy syndrome
IRAS ID
193082
Contact name
Hannah Hunter
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 0 days
Research summary
Oral allergy syndrome (OAS) is a type of food allergy commonly seen in adults that is caused by an allergy to pollen. Proteins in pollen are similar to those in certain fruits, vegetables and nuts and the body can mistakenly react to both. This is called a cross-reaction and typically causes mild symptoms such as itching in the mouth when the foods are eaten in their raw form. The most common cross-reaction is between silver birch pollen and fresh fruits such as apples. As the allergens are destroyed by heat, most people with OAS are able to eat cooked versions of the foods that cause symptoms when raw. However, cooking changes the taste, texture and convenience of eating apples. This study will test whether microwaving apples for a short period is a method of heat- treating that is able to destroy the allergens whilst maintaining taste and texture. Participants will initially undergo allergy testing to different apples that have been microwaved for different time periods. This will involve skin prick testing to reagents and fresh foods using standardised methods and will take place in the outpatient department at Guy’s Hospital. A 10ml blood sample will be taken to be stored for future analysis. We will then assess the results of skin prick testing and determine which preparation of apple reduces the reaction on skin prick testing for most participants. Some participants will then be invited to attend a subsequent visit for a blind food challenge with both a raw and a microwaved apple. They will also be asked to complete a short questionnaire. This study will provide us with valuable information about how this method of heat-treating affects the allergens in apples and will enable us to make specific recommendations about microwaving apples to people with OAS.
REC name
East Midlands - Nottingham 1 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/EM/0012
Date of REC Opinion
3 Feb 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion