As with any IgE food allergy, avoidance of eggs is the current best strategy for managing egg allergy. Of course, it’s not as simple as foregoing scrambled eggs or an omelet in the morning. Egg is an ingredient in many foods including mayonnaise, custard, and many baked goods. For a person with egg allergies, reading nutrition labels and ensuring that the food does not contain eggs is crucial.
Other names that may show up in an ingredients list include albumin,
Anything with “ovo” or “ova” or “egg”as part of the word,
Apovitellin
Globulin
Livetin
Lysozyme
Silici albuminate
Simplesse
Vitellin
There are many components of the egg that a person may be allergic to, and it is possible to determine what exactly needs to be avoided through specific blood tests available from at least some allergists offices. This can be helpful as you may not need to avoid all egg derivatives and therefore have a more varied diet.
Priorities in managing egg allergy are to avoid eggs to prevent allergic reactions and to ensure that avoidance of eggs does not lead to nutrient deficiencies.
Nutrients in Eggs
One of the major concerns in avoiding eggs in the potential for inadequate intake of multiple nutrients.
Protein is the major macronutrient of eggs, so avoiding eggs can lead to inadequate protein intake. Protein is essential for physical structure, muscle mass, neurotransmitter and hormone synthesis, and many other functions throughout the body.
Other nutrients to watch in egg allergy are iron, biotin, folate, riboflavin, selenium, and vitamins A, D, E, and B12.
Other foods to include
To lower the risk of nutrient deficiencies in egg allergy, be sure to include plenty of other protein rich foods like meat, poultry, fish, dairy, lentils, and legumes. Continue include a variety of fruits and vegetables, leafy greens, and whole grains to eat enough of the other nutrients that are high in eggs.
If you or your child are allergic to eggs or have negative reactions to foods including eggs, Integrated Harmonies is here to help. Get started with personalized nutrition care? Click here to book your first session. It may even be covered by your insurance!
References
Replacing Lost Nutrients Due to Food Allergies
https://www.verywellhealth.com/uncover-hidden-egg-ingredients-1324275
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