I strongly recommend that you do not attempt any oral
food challenges unless you are in the presence of your physician. Although I have not yet experienced an
anaphylactic reaction to corn, I did have epinephrine auto-injector pens
available (prescribed for my allergy to most antibiotics).
I conducted an oral
challenge of Argo cornstarch this afternoon based on the following declaration
by the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI).
"Corn Allergy," ACAAI
"Most corn-derived
products, like cornstarch and high-fructose corn syrup, do not contain corn
protein. If you have a corn allergy, you do not need to avoid these
products."
March 15, 2018
Oral challenge of Argo cornstarch
UPC Code 761720071045
Lot #15:40 03208
Best By: 01/16/21
I consumed one level
teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in ½ cup filtered water at 3:26 pm. My corn allergy reaction began at
approximately 4 pm (acute abdominal swelling and pain, accompanied by a pounding,
racing heart—90 BPM*, where my normal resting pulse rate averages 60 BPM). Note that I only tested at 1+ for corn
allergy on my skin-scratch tests in 2011; however, my reactions to corn/corn
derivatives can be quite severe and have been escalating since my allergy to
corn was confirmed.
I contacted the ACAAI (847)
427-1200 at 4:15 pm to inform them of my oral challenge and resulting allergic
reaction, and took an antihistamine at 4:20 pm.
5:25 pm: I am still in utter misery from my reaction to
this oral challenge of cornstarch. It
looks like I’m 7 months’ pregnant (“corn baby”). My heart is still pounding, and my pulse rate
is now 80 BPM.
6:40 pm: My allergic reaction to this oral challenge
continues, even after taking an antihistamine at 4:20 pm (acute abdominal
swelling, pounding heart, and my pulse rate remains at 80 BPM).
8:45 pm: My allergic reaction is slowly abating; but I
am still experiencing abdominal swelling, pounding heart, and my pulse has
decreased to 77 BPM. In hindsight, I should
have consumed ½ teaspoon of cornstarch instead of one teaspoon.
10:45 pm: Although my allergic reaction to this oral
challenge is improving, I still feel miserable!
I recently purchased a
bottle of corn syrup for which I was going to conduct another oral challenge
based on the declaration by the ACAAI that corn syrup is safe for anyone with
an allergy to corn; however, due to my severe reaction to cornstarch today, I have
decided that I will not proceed with an oral challenge of corn syrup. Based on
prior consumption of corn syrup, I already know that I react to corn syrup.
CONCLUSION:
Petition Demanding that the ACAAI Remove False Statement Re: Cornstarch/High Fructose Corn Syrup
https://petitions.moveon.org/sign/demand-that-the-acaai.fb47?source=c.fb&r_by=19717774
CONCLUSION:
Cornstarch must be strictly avoided if you are allergic to corn.
Petition Demanding that the ACAAI Remove False Statement Re: Cornstarch/High Fructose Corn Syrup
https://petitions.moveon.org/sign/demand-that-the-acaai.fb47?source=c.fb&r_by=19717774
My March 27,
2018, Certified Letter to the ACAAI Re:
Cornstarch and Corn Syrup
https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/2018/03/my-march-27-2018-certified-letter-to.htmlReactions to Cornstarch and Corn Syrup:
"Allergy Symptoms of
High Fructose Corn Syrup," Aglaee Jacob, RD, Healthy Eating, SFGATE
"The most common
symptoms that you may experience from high-fructose corn syrup if you are
allergic to corn include an itchy sensation in your mouth, swelling of your
mouth, hives, eczema, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, a drop in
your blood pressure and even breathing difficulty. If you get a severe reaction
or have difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention. If you are
allergic to corn, avoid all products containing corn-derived ingredients
including high-fructose corn syrup."
"Corn Syrup
Allergy," Steady Health
‘Fructose-and
sorbitol-reduced diet improves mood and gastrointestinal disturbances in
fructose malabsorbers’; Ledochowski M, Widner B, Bair H, Probst T, Fuchs D;
2000
"The Perils/Joys of
Being Allergic to High Fructose Corn Syrup," Fragments, February 9, 2011
“Allergic reactions due to
glove-lubricant-powder in health-care workers," M. Crippa, G. Pasolini,
International Archives of Occupational
and Environmental Health, November 1997, Volume 70, Issue 6, pp 399–402
"This study seems to
suggest that corn-starch powder may act as a type I allergen itself."
“Deadly Powder on Medical
Gloves: A Wake-Up Call to the Food and Drug Administration," Richard F. Edlich,
MD (January 31, 2012), iUniverse. pp. 8–. ISBN 978-1-4697-4417-9
“Both the United Kingdom and Germany have
banned the use of cornstarch on medical gloves because it can injure healthcare
workers and patients and can cause life-threatening injuries and even death.
For the last ten years, author Richard F. Edlich has worked to persuade the US
Food and Drug Administration to ban this dangerous powder in medical
environments.”
"FDA Proposes Ban of Powdered Medical Gloves," Robert Lowes, March 21, 2016, Medscape
"The healthcare
industry gradually switched from talcum powder to cornstarch. Research showed
it to be just as problematic, if not more so. With NRL gloves, aerosolized
cornstarch can transport latex proteins capable of triggering respiratory
allergic reactions, according to the FDA. Other adverse events include severe
airway inflammation, wound inflammation, granulomas, and postoperative
adhesions, all of which occur with synthetic as well as NRL gloves dusted with
cornstarch."
"corn syrup and corn
starch allergy," WebMD
Removing
a Food Protein Does Not Guarantee an Allergen Hypoallergenic
*Pulse rate confirmed
using “Pulse Oximeter,” Model OxyWatch C20.
Diane H., Corn Allergy Advocate
Corn Allergy Advocacy/Resources
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