Adult and Pediatric Food Allergy to Chickpea, Pea, Lentil, and Lupine: A Scoping Review

J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2021 Jan;9(1):290-301.e2. doi: 10.1016/j.jaip.2020.10.046. Epub 2020 Nov 6.

Abstract

Background: Nonpriority legume allergies, which include chickpea, pea, lentil, and lupine, are frequently implicated in severe allergic reactions. Yet, studies on public health knowledge and educational needs are near-absent.

Objective: To summarize what is known from the existing literature about nonpriority legume food allergy.

Methods: Eligible, original research articles reported on both nonpriority legume food allergy and 1 or more of prevalence, burden, food labeling information, or current education strategies. Screening was performed by 2 independent reviewers. Conflicts were discussed and if consensus could not be reached, a third reviewer was consulted.

Results: Of the 8976 titles identified, 47 were included subsequent to full-text screening. Most studies identified focused on prevalence, and were conducted in Europe, with additional studies from Asia, and North America. Although we defined burden quite broadly, few studies addressed the burden of nonpriority legume food allergens. Moreover, no studies addressed labeling or educational needs for these allergens.

Conclusions: Our review of the literature found current research focused on the prevalence of nonpriority legume allergy with significant gaps regarding burden, allergen labeling, and education strategies. To this end, further research on these aspects of nonpriority legume allergy is warranted.

Keywords: Food allergy; Labeling; Legumes; Public health; Scoping review.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Allergens
  • Child
  • Cicer*
  • Cross Reactions
  • Europe
  • Food Hypersensitivity* / diagnosis
  • Food Hypersensitivity* / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Lens Plant*
  • Lupinus*
  • North America
  • Pisum sativum

Substances

  • Allergens