What are legumes and pulses?
Legumes are an important source of protein and a common cause of food allergy in children. They are a family of foods (Fabaceae) that include peanuts, soya, peas, beans, lentils, tamarind, and fenugreek. Pulses are dried legumes. For example, fresh peas are called legumes, while dried peas are called pulses.
| Peanut (see peanut information leaflet) | peanut allergy can occur without other legume allergy, or vice versa |
| Soya (see soya information leaflet) | commonly used as additive in the form of Soya lecithin E322 (some people may tolerate this but react to other forms) |
| Beans | include kidney bean, cannellini/butter bean/haricot bean, pinto bean, French/green/string bean, flageolet bean, runner bean, black-eyed bean/pea, black turtle bean, adzuki bean, mung bean, borlotti bean, broad bean/fava |
| Peas | include green pea, chickpeas, mangetout, split/dry pea |
| Lupin (found in some baked goods) | contained in waffles, ice cream cones, pastries, pies, breads, pizza bases, pancakes (especially ones imported from Europe). |
| Other lentils | Brown lentil, red lentil, puy lentil, green lentil, Beluga lentil, Pardina lentil |
| Tamarind and fenugreek | Rarely cause allergy |
What are the symptoms of legume allergy?
Mild symptoms may include hives, skin swelling, tummy pain or vomiting. Skin reactions, particularly to legume flour can occur when these foods are used in craft activities.
Severe symptoms (anaphylaxis) are much less common and include wheeze, difficulty breathing or feeling faint and dizzy.
How serious is legume allergy?
Severe reactions affecting the child’s breathing are uncommon but are more frequent in those with poorly controlled asthma, and these children need urgent medical attention.
How do you avoid legumes?
Most patients are only allergic to one or a few legumes and can eat others with no problems. Legume allergy is more common in people from the Mediterranean, some Asian and African countries.
Legumes, particularly pea protein which is not typically on the allergen list, are ingredients in a wide range of foods and are a potential hidden allergen in foods such as:
- vegan/vegetarian and gluten free foods (e.g. ice-cream, sausages, burgers, meatballs)
- vegetable soups, sauces, salads
- hummus and falafel (contain chickpeas)
- poppadoms, dahls, bhajis, dosas, and pakoras
- curry powder mixes (often contains fenugreek)
- Chinese foods (mangetout and sugar snap peas in stir fries)
- Mexican food (Chilli, refried beans)
- mixed nut snacks or ‘healthy’ snacks
- milk and dairy alternatives
- sports supplements
- Worcestershire and BBQ sauce
This list is not exhaustive. It is important to check food labels even if you buy a product you have eaten before. Only three legumes are amongst the 14 regulated allergens: peanut, soya, and lupin. Other legumes are not protected by these labelling laws, which means they will not be in bold in a label; so extra precaution is required when checking ingredient lists. The same advice applies when eating out.
Guar gum, carob, and locust bean gum (extracted from carob) are not generally problems for people allergic to legumes. It is a chemical extracted from guar beans and used as a thickening and stabilizing agent in food. However, thanks to the refining process it should not trigger a reaction.
If you currently eat any legume without getting symptoms, you should continue to do so unless advised by your allergy team.
How should you manage a reaction?
A written management plan will be provided, and appropriate medication prescribed which should be always available.
If a legume is accidentally eaten spit the food out straight away and give an antihistamine as soon as possible.
Severe symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing (wheezing, noisy breathing)
- Swelling in the throat (noisy breathing, hoarse voice, drooling)
- Feeling faint or dizzy, looking very pale (lie the child down with their legs raised).
If any of these severe symptoms occur get help straight away and dial 999 stating “anaphylaxis” (ana-fil-ax-sis).
Who needs to know about this allergy?
Inform the nursery/school and after school clubs. Grandparents, relatives and school friends’ parents will also need to know.
Is legume allergy life-life long?
Most school age children and adults with legume allergy will not outgrow the problem and need to avoid this food. In contrast, infants and preschool children often tolerate some legumes, and are less likely to suffer from anaphylaxis. It is particularly important to make a correct diagnosis in this group. Your allergy team may suggest a legume oral challenge in hospital, possibly allowing regular reintroduction of legumes into their diet.
Is there a cure?
There is no permanent cure for legume allergy.