Potato Allergy in Children: Clinical Features, Laboratory Findings, and Tolerance Development

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Allergy
• Food Hypersensitivity
• Immunology

Background:

• Potato allergy is an underrecognized childhood food allergy.
• Clinical spectrum and natural history of potato allergy in children are not well-defined.
• Early introduction of potato into diets contrasts with its poorly understood allergic potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• Evaluate clinical characteristics of pediatric potato allergy.
• Assess diagnostic findings and tolerance development.
• Analyze the course of potato allergy in children at a tertiary center.

Main Methods:

• Included 43 children diagnosed with potato allergy (Oct 2022-June 2025).
• Diagnosis confirmed by clinical history, skin prick tests, and/or specific IgE.
• Oral food challenges (OFCs) used for diagnosis and re-evaluation; tolerance assessed at follow-up.

Main Results:

• Median age at diagnosis was 6 months; 76.7% had atopic dermatitis (AD).
• Reactions more common with cooked (74.4%) vs. raw potato; cutaneous symptoms predominated (97.7%).
• Anaphylaxis occurred in 4.6%; 55.8% achieved tolerance by follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Potato allergy presents early, often with AD, and cooked potato can trigger severe reactions.
• Cooked potato should not be considered safe due to potential for significant allergic reactions.
• Over half of children develop tolerance, emphasizing reassessment and individualized management.