Potato Allergy - Allergies Message Board

blastgirl · 01-23-2009, 07:51 PM

Hi,

I've had a bad potato allergy for years. All my life I've avoided potatoes, potato starch and potato flour.

Recently I discovered that I may have EE - Eosinophilic esophagitis. My Allergist is exploring my potato allergy through blood tests.

Anyhow, this got me thinking, that perhaps I have exposed myself to potatoes in other forms such as additives.

Does anyone know which additives are derived from potatoes?

Thanks,

megsmith · 03-01-2009, 04:13 PM

I have been allergic to potatoes as long as I can remember, I can't even breath them or I have an asthma like reaction. I am doing as much research as I can on potatoes because I notice other foods trigger a reaction as well but usually not as severe. tomatoes, peppers, (something I just ate, not sure what ingredient but I am having a reaction) and others. I am not sure about additives but I have noticed lately potatoes come up in strange things. If you eat canned tuna fish the "vegetable broth" can contain potato. I had to email chicken of the sea to find this out. Almost all shredded cheese has potato starch, and now I have even noticed some bread with potato yeast. I don't know if this helps or not, but good luck.

blastgirl · 03-02-2009, 09:25 AM

Hi,

Ever since I wrote this post, I've been doing further research as well. I did notice that shredded cheese has potato starch. Who knew? Also, I've noticed that potato starch can be in processed meats such as kobasa.

I've also learned that maltodextrin is a derivative of potato and dextrose can be a derivative of potato (or corn). So, you may want to look out for those ingredients.

Good to know about vegetable broth. I do love my tuna.

Blast Girl

dmottawa · 03-07-2009, 05:42 PM

I have always been allergic to potatos and potato products (potato flour and potato starch etc.). I cannot eat them or breathe them when they are coking. The reaction has grown in severity with age and exposure where it now almost automatically results in a severe (sometimes anaphylactic response).

I have resorted to reading all food ingredients and asking for ingredients in all that I eat, especially restaurants. Here is a quick list of products where I have discovered, sometimes at my own peril, potato products in the food. Manufacturers change their ingredients also depending on what is available and the cost, so do not take for granted that products will remain allergy-free. Such potato-laden products have included:

- pepperoni (pizzas) and kolbasa
- hot dog wieners
- pogos
- gravy thickeners
- certain cheap chocolates
- custard
- many canned soups (Knorr especially)
- onion rings at the US A&W outlets (not always same in Canada)
- salad dressings (Cesar salad especially)
- soda crackers
- different varieties of cold cuts
- certain frozen tortellinis and raviolis
- most Tim Horton donuts (glaze and content of donut) and was advised to avoid most if not all of their products
- seasoning for certain boxed taco packages
- certain well known canned tomato sauces for spaghetti

I may be able to add to the list as I spend more time thinking about it but you really need to be careful about what you it. Label reading is absolutely critical as is requesting information in restaurants before consuming anything.

I have also had to check the non-medicinal contents of certain pills which may contain corn starch - so far no potato starches.

Good luck and don't forget the epipen.

blastgirl · 03-08-2009, 10:21 AM

dmottawa- I actually grew up in Ottawa. Must be something anti-potato in the Ottawa river

And, Tim Hortons having potato products in its food. One word- wow! I'm feeling very non-Canadian right now.

Great list! Ya, if you think of any more products let me know.

Your condition sounds a lot like mine. I've had the allergy all my life and it has gotten worse over the years.

Thanks for your helpful advice.

Shanna