- Egg allergies are common and are often difficult to deal with, leading to a range of unpleasant symptoms.
- One area of interest is how to alter the genetics of hens to remove proteins from eggs that cause allergies.
- A recent study found that removing the allergen protein ovomucoid from eggs made them appear safe for consumption, though further testing is needed.
Allergies occur when the body has a negative or abnormal reaction to a foreign substance.
The allergen protein ovomucoid is responsible for many of the allergic responses people with egg allergies experience. Now, genetic specialists may be able to eliminate an egg allergy at its source.
A recent study published in Food and Chemical Toxicology explored the possibility of altering the genetics of hens to remove ovomucoid from eggs.
The researchers found the method they used produced eggs that may be safe for specific uses among people with egg allergies.
People with egg allergies can experience a variety of reactions, including vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Severe egg allergies may even trigger life threatening anaphylactic reactions.
A person with an egg allergy should try to avoid consuming eggs, but this can be challenging. Many products contain eggs, so parents and people of all ages must carefully read food labels and be extra vigilant to ensure that foods don’t have eggs in them.
Egg allergies could be stressful for anyone — and some children may worry about being different from their peers. In some cases, children may grow out of egg allergies as they age.
Non-study author and general practitioner Dr. Blen Tesfu, a medical advisor at Welzo, explained to Medical News Today:
“Egg allergies are relatively common, particularly in children. They are most often caused by an allergic reaction to proteins found in egg whites, such as ovalbumin or ovomucoid. The…
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