Allergens in Peanuts and Allergen Reduction Methods

Abstract

Peanut allergens adversely affect the health and quality of life of millions of consumers worldwide. The seeds of the peanut plant (Arachis hypogaea L.) contain a number of allergens that trigger the production of specific IgE antibodies in allergy-prone individuals. Currently, 18 proteins found in peanuts are accepted as allergens. These allergens are named from Ara h 1 to Ara h 18. Ara h 2, Ara h 6 and Ara h 7 are from albumin, Ara h 1 and Ara h 3 are from globülin. Ara h is the abbreviation of Arachis hypogaea, the Latin name for peanut. A peanut allergy is a reaction that occurs shortly after eating to peanuts or peanut products. It has various symptoms that can go up to swelling of the tongue, itching of the palate, itching and burning in the throat, itching in the eyes and nose, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, bruising, chest pain, hives, low blood pressure and shock. In this review, the properties of peanut allergens and the methods of reducing the allergen effect will be reviewed.