Share

Are you allergic to sulphur dioxide?

accreditation
Allergies – iStock
Allergies – iStock

Many centuries ago the Romans discovered that adding substances containing sulphites to foods makes them last longer and helps preserve their colour and flavour.

Sulphites work by releasing sulphur dioxide, a gas, which can cause the airway to become irritated and constricted. Less than 2% of the general population are believed to be allergic to sulphites, but in asthmatics it is much higher at between 5 and 13%. 

An unpleasant reaction

Almost all of us are affected by food allergies or food intolerance at some stage of our lives. We’ve all had an unpleasant reaction to something we ate and wondered if we have an allergy. Fortunately true allergies are relatively rare, and less than four percent of the total adult American population have a true allergic reaction to one or more foods.

Read: Allergic to food additives?

The most common food allergens are:

  • Fish
  • Shellfish
  • Wheat (gluten) and other grains
  • Soy
  • Nuts, especially peanuts
  • Eggs
  • Milk

Allergy or sensitivity

Many people say they’re allergic to something when it’s actually only a sensitivity or intolerance. The difference between an allergy and a sensitivity/intolerance lies in the way the body responds to the substance. An allergy involves the immune system, whereas in the case of a sensitivity/intolerance the reaction is mainly triggered in the digestive system.

Read: Allergy tests that work

An allergic reaction happens when your immune system identifies a protein in food as an invader and launches an immune-mediated reaction. The most common type is an Immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated reaction followed by the release of chemicals like histamine from mast cells. In extreme cases an allergic reaction can result in anaphylaxis, which causes your blood pressure to drop and your airways to close – and can be deadly if not treated in time. (Anaphylaxis can be treated with an epinephrine injection, available in an auto-injector.)

Sulphur in foods

In the UK sulphites are recognised as a potential allergen, and have to be labelled on food or drink products if they appear at a certain concentration or above.  

Read: The truth about food labels

Sulphites, including sulphur dioxide (SO2) are basically food preservatives used to prevent browning or discoloration of foods. In South Africa sulphur dioxide is commonly used to preserve dried fruit. Sulphites are also extensively used in wine, beer and other alcoholic beverages. Medicines and cosmetics may also contain sulphites.  

Other foods that commonly contain sulphites are:

  • Cookies, crackers, pizza base
  • French fries and instant mashed potatoes
  • Fruit juices
  • Canned fruits and vegetables
  • Pickles, olives and salad dressings
  • Noodle, rice and soup mixes

Sulphites that are commonly added to foods are: sulphur dioxide, potassium bisulphate, potassium metabisulphate, sodium bisulphite, sodium dithionite, sodium metabisulphite, sodium sulphite and sulphurous acid.

Common reactions to sulphites

A 2009 study of the clinical effects of sulphite additives listed a range of reactions: 

  • Dermatitis
  • Urticaria
  • Flushing
  • Hypotension (low blood pressure)
  • Abdominal pain 
  • Diarrhoea 
  • Asthmatic reactions (Most studies report a 3–10% prevalence of sulphite sensitivity among asthmatic subjects following ingestion of these additives.)
  • Anaphylaxis

The authors add that in addition to episodic and acute symptoms, sulphites may also contribute to chronic skin and respiratory symptoms. There are some theories, but it remains unclear what exactly the underlying causes of sulphate sensitivity are.

Read: Treating allergies

The best remedy is to be aware and steer clear of dietary sources of sulphites and according to the study “minor modifications to diet or behaviour lead to excellent clinical outcomes for sulphite-sensitive individuals”.

Read more:

When allergies turn deadly

Signs, symptoms and solutions for a wine allergy

Peanut allergies rising

References:

Allergy UK: Sulphites and Airway Symptoms. https://www.allergyuk.org/sulphites-and-airway-symptoms/sulphites-and-airway-symptoms

Pubmed: Clinical effects of sulphite additives. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19775253

Foods Matter: Sulphite Allergy. http://www.foodsmatter.com/allergy_intolerance/sulphites/articles/sulphites.html

Healthline:Food Allergy vs. Sensitivity: What’s the Difference? http://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/food-allergy-sensitivity-difference

Health Canada: Sulphites - One of the ten priority food allergens. http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/pubs/securit/2012-allergen_sulphites-sulfites/index-eng.php

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE