Apple allergy: Causes and factors influencing fruits allergenic properties-Review

Apple tree fruits (Malus × domestica Borkh.) are a rich source of nutrients and nutraceuticals and are recommended as a part of the healthy, staple diet. However, apples could be also the cause of allergies including severe reactions. Allergies to fruits like apples are predominantly associated with pollinosis. In North and Central Europe, sensitisation to apples is caused mainly by cross-reactive birch pollen aeroallergen, whereas in the Mediterranean area of Europe, apple allergy is mostly associated with allergies to peach. The allergenicity of apples differ across cultivars but only a few varieties were studied. Some factors changing apples allergenicity were identified, including unmodifiable and potentially modifiable factors for example cultivation method, ripening stage and storage conditions.

This review presents current knowledge about the molecular basis of apple allergenicity and factors influencing its level.

Selecting cultivars with low potential of allergenicity, removing apple peel and heat treatment could reduce the risk of severe allergy reaction incidence and presumably can be used in birch pollen immunotherapy.