Wednesday, November 1, 2017

Expert Commentary Regarding Corn Allergen (Revised 11/6/17)

Update, 11/6/17:  After speaking with a representative from AAAAI, they have agreed to remove this article from their website.  It can endanger the lives of corn-allergic individuals.  I wish to thank the AAAAI for their efforts on behalf of the corn allergy population.


Many corn-allergic individuals are probably familiar with these articles which are detrimental to the corn allergy population due to the claims by the authors, and the fact that many physicians read and believe their statements without questioning the validity of their opinions.  I have respectfully contacted each scholar with critical corn allergy documentation/statistics, and am providing you with their contact information if you would also like to send them a respectful rebuttal.

     1.  Phil Lieberman, MD, Allergy & Asthma Care, Germantown, TN, 901-757-6100
     2.  Scott H. Sicherer, MD, Email: scott.sicherer@mssm.edu
     3.  Steven Taylor, PhD, FARRP, Email: staylor2@unl.edu
     4.  Food Allergy Research & Resource Program (FARRP), University of Nebraska, Email: faarp@unl.edu
     5.  Daniel More, MD, Central Coast Allergy & Asthma, Salinas, California, Facebook message
https://www.facebook.com/CentralCoastAllergy/


“Avoidance of Corn Allergen," AAAAI, Ask the Expert, 2012

Statement by Phil Lieberman, MD
". . . the issue is complex because some products, such as corn oils, are labeled as having corn, but actually do not contain corn allergen."

Statements by Scott H. Sicherer, MD
"From a clinical perspective, we use formulas that contain corn syrup and corn syrup solids without difficulty for patients who are allergic to corn. We therefore do not restrict a formula with these ingredients for a patient with corn allergy. However, we are not aware of specific allergenicity studies on these ingredients.

Corn starch is an ingredient that may have a very trace amount of corn protein (which probably has no clinical relevance for most people with a corn allergy). Baking powder contains corn starch, but the amount of baking powder ever used in a product is so small that the amount of corn starch would be even smaller, and, therefore, the amount of corn protein would be extremely miniscule- almost surely undetectable in a serving of such a product.

Corn starch (already with only very trace protein) is the starting material for corn syrup. The final products of corn syrup, glucose syrup, dextrose (granular) or high fructose corn syrup should have undetectable corn protein."

Statements by Steven Taylor, PhD (FARRP)
"Corn syrup (also known as glucose syrup), corn syrup solids, glucose, dextrose, maltodextrin, corn oil, and high fructose corn syrup (note I have added a few ingredients) have no detectable corn protein residues and should be quite safe for someone with IgE-mediated allergy to corn. Corn starch can contain up to 40 ppm (ug/g) of corn protein but that is a small amount in most applications of corn starch and is probably tolerated by most individuals with corn allergy."


Article by Daniel More, MD
Central Coast Allergy & Asthma
Salinas, California
[Note the statement in fine print at the top of the article: "True allergy to corn is rare."]

"Corn Allergy and Following a Corn-Free Diet," Daniel More, MD, February 20, 2017, verywell.com

"Unlike wheat, though, which is a common food ​allergen, there are relatively few reports of allergic reactions to corn.

However, the reports that do exist show that reactions can be severe. These reports include anaphylaxis as a result of eating corn and corn-related foods, as well as severe reactions after exposure to cornstarch in surgical gloves."


Findings Based on My Research:
Among some of their questionable findings, their claim that corn allergies are “rare” is clearly false and misleading as a result of my own research:

"The National Institutes of Health (NIH) confirmed to me that their in-home surveys do not address food allergies, and no allergies for anyone over the age of 18.  After conducting my own research, I discovered that physicians and/or hospitals are exempt from reporting allergy statistics/allergic reactions into any state and/or government database; therefore, it is dangerous and irresponsible for any person, medical professional, government agency, or professional organization to declare that an allergy to a particular food is rare; e.g., maize (corn).  As a result, my state FDA representative encouraged me to track the statistics of one of many corn allergy groups representing a "sample population."  The alarming growth statistics are indicative of an emerging corn allergy crisis; and should far exceed the threshold for declaring corn an official allergen; thereby, subject to FDA labeling requirements."


United States Hospitals/Health Systems Contacted Re: Protocol for Treating Corn-Allergic Patients

Baxter Labs specifically warns against administering dextrose IV fluids to corn-allergic patients.
"Solutions containing dextrose should be used with caution, if at all, in patients with known allergy to corn or corn products." - Page 3
https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/2017/06/product-information-sheet-warns-against.html

"Probable anaphylactic reaction to corn-derived dextrose solution."

BCPharmacists, "Warning: corn-related allergens . . ."
Published Corn Allergy Studies/Statistics (“. . . Maize major allergen . . .”)
https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/2017/05/published-corn-allergy-studies.html


CORN PRODUCTS & DERIVATIVES TO BE AVOIDED
(Note that these lists are not all-inclusive, so extreme caution must be exercised.)

“Corn Products and Derivatives List,” Institute for Responsible Technology (IRT), 6/6/17
https://responsibletechnology.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Corn-Products-Derivatives-06-06-17.pdf


"Ingredients Derived From Corn - What to Avoid," By Sharon Rosen, Live Corn Free

"Corn-Free Diet," Golisano Children's Hospital, Pediatric Nutrition



Diane H., Corn Allergy Advocate
Corn Allergy Advocacy/Resources
@CornAllergy911


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