Monday, March 28, 2022

My March 28, 2022, Inquiry to the National Institute of Standards and Technology for the Protection of Corn-Allergic Citizens

National Institute of Standards and Technology
U.S. Department of Commerce
100 Bureau Drive
Gaithersburg, MD  20899
https://www.nist.gov/

 

Re: Protection of Corn-Allergic Citizens

The FDA has applied the incorrect molecular formula (C6H12O6) to 21CFR184.1857, which defines corn sugar produced from allergenic cornstarch, a/k/a dextrose/D-glucose.  The molecular formula should be C6H14O7 to be consistent with all other corn-derived sweeteners.
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=184.1857

 

Why is this of critical importance?

Based on personal testimonies from the 16K+ members in our corn allergy support groups, clinicians are telling corn-allergic patients:  "You cannot be allergic to dextrose, since dextrose is naturally present in humans."  Dextrose is the chemical name for corn sugar produced from allergenic cornstarch/D-glucose, which can prove fatal to anyone with an IgE-mediated allergy to corn.  It is for this reason that corn sugar (dextrose/D-glucose)-containing IV fluids are contraindicated for administration to corn-allergic patients in the package insert.  Corn-allergic patients should not be required to educate our clinicians to guarantee our safety. 

 

Glucose: blood sugar (lifeblood of all living organisms)

D-Glucose: synthetic glucose (lab-created from cornstarch); analog/enantiomer of glucose (NOT identical)

L-Glucose: synthetic glucose (lab-created), analog/enantiomer of glucose (NOT identical)

 

Corn sugar from allergenic cornstarch:

Corn sugar = dextrose = D-glucose
Corn sugar = D-glucose = dextrose
Dextrose = corn sugar = D-glucose
Dextrose = D-glucose = corn sugar
D-glucose = corn sugar = dextrose
D-glucose = dextrose = corn sugar
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=184.1857

 

"Solutions containing dextrose should be used with caution, if at all, in patients with known allergy to corn or corn products. D-Glucopyranose monohydrate"
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/016679s104,016682s105,016692s095,019367s026lbl.pdf

 

"Dextrose-containing solutions pose a significant risk to patients allergic to corn. Dextrose used for IV fluids is prepared by the simple hydrolysis of cornstarch."
https://journals.lww.com/anesthesia-analgesia/Fulltext/2019/05000/Excipients_in_Anesthesia_Medications.11.aspx

 

"Pharmacists are requested to use caution and be aware that many drugs and medications contain undisclosed potential allergens in the form of sugars, starches, and celluloses. Share the corn allergy example with prescribers . . ."
http://library.bcpharmacists.org/6_Resources/6-7_ReadLinks/ReadLinks-MayJun2007.pdf

 

I need to mail a certified letter to the appropriate agency addressing this critical matter.  Please advise.

Thank you.

 

Diane H., Corn Allergy Advocate
Corn Allergy Advocacy/Resources
https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/
Email:  cornallergyinitiative@gmail.com
Twitter:  @CornAllergy911



Blog Post Reference:

My March 28, 2022, Inquiry to the National Institute of Standards and Technology for the Protection of Corn-Allergic Citizens
https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/2022/03/my-march-28-2022-inquiry-to-national.html


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