Natural rubber latex allergy (NRL-A) is an international problem of public health. About 50-60% of NRL-A patients may present adverse reactions after ingestion cross-reacting vegetable foods. This condition is called “Latex-fruit Syndrome” and is matter of research. The aim of our study is distinguishing between clinical/subclinical latex-fruit syndrome and cross-sensitization to latex and food...

BACKGROUND The increasing prevalence of asthma and allergy might be related to diet, particularly in Western countries. A study was undertaken to assess the association between dietary factors, asthma and allergy in a large international study including objective measurements of atopy. METHODS Between 1995 and 2005, cross-sectional studies were performed in 29 centres in 20 countries. Parenta...

Methods A 41-year-old woman developed severe facial angioedema and dyspnea within 15 minutes of persimmon fruit intake. She was treated with intravenous corticosteroids and antihistamines, monitored in a hospital for two days and attended our clinic the next week for assessment of possible fruit allergy. She reported a previous episode of angioedema and generalized urticaria some months ago, im...

Background Allergies represent a socioeconomic problem that has affected increasing world population. A range of respiratory allergens are themselves proteases or are associated with proteolytic activity. Bromelain is a mixture of cysteine proteases present in the leaves and fruit Ananas comosus, with several pharmacological applications and is widely used in the food industry. Cases of occupat...

Preservatives such as benzoic acid and parabens are being tested on a regular basis by regulatory authorities and food testing laboratories as they are widely found in condiments and beverages such as fruit juices, sports drinks and soft drinks. The consumption of excessive amount of preservatives can lead to adverse health effects such as allergy. Also, the levels of these preservatives in foo...

To the Editor: The oral allergy syndrome (OAS) describes an allergic reaction that occurs on ingestion of certain fresh fruits and vegetables in pollen-sensitized subjects. The culprit allergens found in associated fresh foods are rapidly inactivated by digestion and cooking. As a result, symptoms are usually limited to the mouth and throat and preferably observed with raw forms of the food. Wh...

BACKGROUND Natural rubber latex allergy is a "new" illness whose prevalence has reached epidemic proportions in highly exposed populations such as health care professionals. OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to evaluate the frequency of reactions to latex and risk factors due to glove use in health care workers (HCW) in Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil. METHODS We evaluated latex-rela...

Adhering to the recommended intake of fruits and vegetables is an important habit that should be inculcated in children, whereas food neophobia is indicated as one of the most important factors creating food preferences that may interfere. The aim of the presented study was to analyze the association between the food neophobia level and the intake of fruits and vegetables in children aged 10-12...

OBJECTIVES To examine the cost of fruits and vegetables (FV) with respect to different food store types, urbanization level and material deprivation for various urban areas of greater Quebec City. METHODS A sample of 85 food stores was selected. They represented five store types (small, conventional, and large grocery stores; greengrocers; convenience stores) in four geographic areas reflecti...