Mangoes, with their sweet and succulent flesh, are a tropical delight for many. For some people, though, enjoying this fruit can come with the possibility of a genuine mango allergy.
This guide covers mango allergies in depth – the signs and symptoms, testing methods, and important considerations for anyone who suspects a reaction to this tropical fruit.
Mango Allergy Symptoms
Mango allergy symptoms can manifest in various ways, affecting different systems of the body. Common symptoms include:
- Skin Reactions: itching, hives, redness or swelling
- Gastrointestinal Issues: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or diarrhoea
- Respiratory Symptoms: sneezing, nasal congestion, coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath
- Anaphylaxis: in severe cases, a mango allergy can lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction requiring immediate medical attention, with symptoms including difficulty breathing, a drop in blood pressure and loss of consciousness
What Causes a Mango Allergy?
A mango allergy occurs when the immune system identifies proteins in mangoes as harmful invaders, triggering an allergic response. These proteins are found in various parts of the mango, including the skin and pulp.
The Difference Between a Food Allergy and Food Intolerance
It's worth distinguishing between the two. A food allergy involves the immune system, triggering a rapid, sometimes severe response. Food intolerance doesn't involve the immune system, and typically leads to digestive issues like bloating or diarrhoea instead.
How Common Is a Mango Allergy?
Mango allergies are possible, though food intolerances are generally more common than food allergies overall. Estimates for how many people experience some form of food intolerance vary depending on definitions and study methodology, but it's understood to affect a meaningful proportion of the population.
How Do You Test for a Mango Allergy?
If you suspect a mango allergy, consulting an allergist is the best route to accurate diagnosis and management. Common testing methods include:
- Skin Prick Test: small amounts of allergens, including mango proteins, are applied to the skin, which is then pricked to observe any reaction.
- Blood Test: a blood sample measures specific IgE antibodies associated with allergies. Our blood allergy test can help identify potential mango and other food allergies.
What Other Foods Might You Be Allergic To?
Cross-reactivity between mangoes and certain other foods is possible due to shared protein similarities. People with mango allergies might also react to:
- Cashews and pistachios: cross-reactivity can occur due to shared proteins
- Poison ivy: mangoes belong to the same botanical family (Anacardiaceae) as poison ivy, and some people with mango allergies experience related cross-reactivity, particularly skin reactions from contact with mango skin
Navigating a possible mango allergy comes down to understanding symptoms, testing options, and potential cross-reactivity with related foods. Seeking professional medical advice is the most reliable way to get an accurate diagnosis and management plan – by staying informed and exploring suitable alternatives, people with mango allergies or intolerances can continue making confident, informed dietary choices.
