Information about Salicylates

What is a salicylate?

Salicylates are chemicals produced naturally by plants as a preservative.  It also protects them against harmful bacteria and pests – they are the plants natural defence.  They can be found in two forms: 1, natural form can be found in certain fruits, vegetables, herbs and plants, 2, in manufactured products which use salicylate compounds, e.g. medicines, solvents and perfumed products.

Are salicylate found in anything else?

Many foods contain substances like aspirin called salicylates, these can form allergic symptoms as well as some additives and preservatives such as benzoates and tartrazine.

What are the signs and symptoms?

Some sufferers can eat small amounts of salicylates without experiencing a reaction.  Symptoms can vary but include swelling of the eyes, hands and feet, a rash, hives, nasal congestion and breathing difficulties.  It is rare for someone to suffer anaphylactic shock.

Are there any tests available?

No tests are available.  The total IgE is usually normal or even low and there is no specific allergen IgE antibodies demonstrable, either on skin prick testing or blood testing.

Can anything help me?

You can treat the symptoms with antihistamines, however the most effective way to avoid a reaction is to eliminate salicylate from your diet and products from your lifestyle.

Salicylates in Food

Very high

Fruit & vegetables: dried apricots, dates, currants, raisins, prunes.

Herbs & spices: aniseed, cayenne, celery powder, cinnamon, cumin, curry powder, dill, garam masala, mace, mustard, oregano, paprika, rosemary, sage, tarragon, turmeric, thyme, Worcester sauce.

Beverages: cordials, fruit flavoured drinks, fruit and vegetable juices.

High

Fruit: apples, berries, citrus fruits, figs, grapes, guava, kiwi, pineapple.

Vegetables: broccoli, chicory, chilli peppers, gherkin, peppers, radish, water chestnut.

Herbs & spices: allspice, basil, bay-leaf, chilli, cloves, ginger, mint, nutmeg, black/white pepper, pickles.

Nuts:almonds, macadamia, peanuts with skins, pistachio, pine nuts.

Beveridges: coffee, tea, Benedictine, Drambuie, port, rum, Tia Maria.

Moderate

Fruit: apricots, cherries, dates, grapefruit, lychee, all melons, peach, plum.

Vegetables: asparagus, aubergine, avocado, cucumber, tinned/puree tomatoes.

Herbs & spices: cornflour, yeast extracts.

Nuts: Brazil nuts, desiccated coconut, peanut butter, walnuts.

Beverages:beer, cider, coca cola, rosehip tea, sherry, red/white wine.