«I facilitate a BF moms' support group for a local hospital. One of the
moms who regularly attends told us yesterday that her 6 month old son had
a latex fruit allergy. I had never heard of this and she said her
searching on the internet had not revealed much. She is just starting
solids with her little guy. First thing she tried was mashed avocado. He
quickly got a red bottom. She didn't think too much about it. The next
thing she tried was mashed banana. He immediately got red, raised hives
all over his body. Pediatrician told her that those 2 foods are the
highest in natural latex (I think that's what she was told). But again
I've never heard of this and wondered if any of you wise women have--and
what is the long term outlook for Sam.»

Pat, I have read a little on latex fruits before and do concur that avocado
and banana are problematic at times.  I'm pretty sure someone who is VERY
allergic to latex is still on this list and she may well chime in with her
experience if she has one, with fruit that can be problematic.  However, I
will say I have been told that the protein in banana and avocado is not
"latex" itself, per se, since that actually comes from a latex plant:  it is
a protein that "closely ressembles" latex.  Perhaps in a similar manner that
whey protein from cows and whey protein from humans are "similar" but not
the same protein?  One way or another, sometimes a body will see one protein
and perceive another I'm sure.  Same with peanuts and chick peas and
fenugreek for some; where some individuals will be allergic to all three,
others only react to one of them, but it is still wise to keep an eye out if
you are severely allergic to one, before trying another...

My biggest experience with these so-called latex fruits was when helping one
mother; she wrote to me around 5-6 years ago complaining of "hamburger
nipples".  I'm pretty sure I posted to LN at the time, and it is on LN I
think I got some info that helped us figure out the problem ultimately.
 This mom was nursing her 4th child, having successfully nursed all 3 older
children until around 20-24 mos.  4th child was only around 13 mos when she
contacted me and she definitely felt she was too young to be weaned, but was
in so much pain with bloody nipples she was on the verge of biting the
bullet and doing so.  We corresponded I think almost a week really before
finding out the trouble...I asked about lazy latch, asked if she had been
using a new soap on herself or even new laundry soap...what about her bra,
was it a new type of material...then I asked what her daughter ate, maybe
she was allergic to something her daughter ate.  She  re-assurred me she had
no food allergies and we went round and round discussing the problem.
 Finally she did admit to me that her daughter ate pretty much only one
thing at that point in time; she was a HUGE banana fiend.  ;-)  I asked "is
it possible you are sensitive to latex?  that is a protein that is like is
in bananas." and she immediately said yes she was allergic to latex; can't
use condoms.  Well, I suggested cutting out banana completely, and said she
won't perish on only BM for a few days; within 2 days she was SO much
better.  Completely healed in a week IIRC.

Hope that helps.
Fio

-- 
--
Children's Restraint System Technician (CRST), Pharmacy Assistant Technician
(PAT), BF volunteer, and most importantly, Maman to Sandrine, 11yo, Nyssa
8.5yo, and Tristan, 32 mos.
Cost of a carseat:  $150
Time it takes to buckle it up properly:  a few seconds of your day.
Making sure your child gets home safely:   PRICELESS.

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