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Updated: Apr 28, 2026

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A Component-resolved Diagnostic Approach for a Study on Grass Pollen Allergens in Chinese Southerners with Allergic Rhinitis and/or Asthma
Published on: June 4, 2017
9.1K
Acute allergic reaction after composite pollen ingestion
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|October 1, 1979
Summary
Bee pollen can trigger severe allergic reactions in sensitive individuals due to cross-reactivity with Compositae pollens like dandelion. This highlights risks for atopic patients consuming certain health foods.
Area of Science:
- Allergen immunotherapy
- Clinical immunology
- Food allergy research
Background:
- Bee pollen is a popular health food supplement.
- Allergic reactions to bee pollen have been reported.
- Cross-reactivity between pollens and foods is a known phenomenon.
Observation:
- Three patients experienced immediate allergic reactions after consuming bee pollen.
- Bee pollen samples were found to contain dandelion pollen.
- Dandelion pollen is a member of the Compositae family, which includes ragweed.
Findings:
- Patients showed sensitivity to multiple Compositae family members, not insect antigens.
- Radioallergosorbent inhibition studies confirmed cross-reactivity between bee pollen and Compositae pollens.
- The allergic reactions were attributed to cross-reacting antigens in the bee pollen.
Implications:
- Atopic individuals are at risk of anaphylaxis from ingesting certain foods.
- Cross-reactivity between food antigens and common pollens can cause severe reactions.
- This study underscores the importance of identifying food components and potential cross-reactivities in allergic patients.
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