| Allergen Source | Major Allergens | Cross-Reactivity | Allergic Potential | Common Symptoms |
| Coconut (Cocos nucifera) | Coc n 1 (Albumin), Coconut Proteins | Rare cross-reactivity with tree nuts, possible link to palm fruit allergy | Moderate (Rare anaphylactic cases reported) | Hives, swelling, GI distress, anaphylaxis (severe cases) |
| Palm Fruit (Elaeis guineensis) | Palm Fruit Proteins, Lipid Transfer Proteins (LTPs) | Possible cross-reactivity with coconut, limited data | Low (Rare food allergy, mostly contact sensitivity) | Mild skin reactions, digestive upset (rare) |
| Latex (Hevea brasiliensis) | Hev b 1 to Hev b 13 (Latex Proteins) | Latex-Fruit Syndrome: Cross-reacts with banana, avocado, kiwi, chestnut, fig | High (Common cause of systemic allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis) | Hives, anaphylaxis, respiratory distress, latex-fruit syndrome reactions |
Key Insights:
- Coconut allergy (Coc n 1) has limited cross-reactivity with tree nuts but may have a potential link to palm fruit allergy due to similar lipid transfer proteins (LTPs).
- Palm fruit allergy is extremely rare, with limited data on cross-reactivity with coconut or other allergens.
- Latex allergy (Hev b proteins) is a well-documented allergen that cross-reacts with fruits such as banana, avocado, kiwi, and chestnut, known as Latex-Fruit Syndrome.
- Latex allergy has the highest allergic potential, causing severe reactions, including anaphylaxis, while coconut allergy is moderate and palm fruit allergy is rare.
- Latex-allergic individuals may not necessarily react to coconut, but those with latex-fruit syndrome may have a higher risk of cross-reactivity with coconut and palm fruit.