Sunflower seed lecithin ingestion in the setting of sunflower seed protein food allergy
Question:
5/17/2023
I have a 50-year-old female with a history of anaphylaxis with sunflower seeds. Skin prick testing was positive, confirming her allergy. She is able to tolerate sunflower seed oil without reaction. However, she is hesitant to incorporate sunflower lecithin in her diet. Most sunflower lecithin products state a 0g protein content in their ingredient list. Can she try to incorporate sunflower lecithin into her diet, given she tolerates sunflower seed oil?
Answer:
If there is a good reason for this patient to ingest sunflower lecithin and she wants to take sunflower seed lecithin, then it would be reasonable to undertake an oral sunflower seed lecithin food challenge under observation. There would be a very low probability, given that lack of measurable protein in sunflower seed lecithin and her current tolerance of sunflower seed oil, of a significantly positive reaction.
https://fda.report/media/145167/GRAS-Notice-GRN-939-Sunflower-Lecithin-part-1.pdf
Eric Macy, MD, MS, FAAAAI