Anaphylaxis After Consumption of Guar Gum-Containing Food: A Report of Two Cases

Abstract

Guar gum is a food additive that acts as a thickening agent. Although the relationship between guar gum and occupational rhinitis/asthma has already been established, only very few cases of anaphylaxis were associated with guar gum ingestion. We present two examples of anaphylaxis induced by guar gum. Both cases were successfully treated with adrenaline. Moreover, serum-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) with the culprit agent was detected in blood samples. To the best of our knowledge, here we present the first case of class 6 guar gum-specific IgE-positive anaphylaxis. This report aims to raise awareness of rare food additive allergies such as guar gum.