Cottonseed oil is one of among the prominent vegetable oil used extensively for frying and baking. Though there are benefits and harmful effects of cottonseed oil, bakers use them.
Besides being nutritious, in few people this edible oil can trigger allergic reaction. Cottonseed oil allergy is uncommon when compared to other food allergies. Symptoms of this allergy range from mild to severe and may lead to anaphylaxis shock.
Because of vitamins and minerals housed in cottonseed oil, bakers started using this oil. Later, FDA allowed it as food product. However, there are few experts who stand by their claim that cottonseed oil is not good and lead to various health problems.
Cottonseed Oil Allergy
It is the third most used oil after corn oil and soybean oil. Apart from food, cotton seed oil is extensively used in making various products like plastics, propellants, rayon, x-ray film and pharmaceutical emulsions.
Experts say that a protein in cottonseed oil is responsible for allergic reaction, because it has structural, functional and biochemical properties that can be responsible to trigger allergy. 2S protein is the identified substance that causes inflammation to immune system.
If a person who is hypersensitive to this protein ingest, then immune system releases antibodies to detect the irritant, which then signals back to release histamines. Thus, allergic symptoms appear.
Person may experience contact dermatitis if he/she comes in contact with the 2S protein. Rashes, minor swelling and itching will be accompanied.
Symptoms include:
- Asthma
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abnormal contraction of bronchi
- Difficulty in breathing
- Coughing
- Atopic dermatitis
- Contact dermatitis
- Flaky and itchy skin
- Low blood pressure
- Unconsciousness
- Hypotension
- Anaphylaxis
Diagnosis and Prevention
Person who experienced any of the above mentioned symptoms after consuming or contacting cottonseed oil must consult allergist or doctor for diagnosis.
Allergist will conduct different tests to confirm the allergen. Accordingly medication will be prescribed.
During treatment and after it, you must avoid cottonseed oil consumption. It’s not easy, but you must fight this battle.
- Before buying a product, read its ingredient’s list and avoid items with this allergen.
- Mayonnaise, sauces, baked goods like breads, cookies and cakes are often made with cottonseed oil.
- Fast foods, fried foods and deep-fried items include this oil.
- Because of its extensive use, many food products, bakers and fast food centers use this oil. If you can try to make your own food at home.
Cottonseed oil is rich in omega fatty acids, which can increase diabetes and heart problem. (Read more about its benefits here.)
Unrefined cottonseed oil contains a compound known as gossypol which reduces nutritional value of the oil. A report says that this compound can induce reproductive issues in females and reduce sperm count in males.
On other hand refined cottonseed oil includes various chemical preservatives which may lead to allergies.
So you must check twice before taking this oil. It’s better to consult doctor to treat cottonseed oil allergy.