Sulfate & Histamine Allergies
A distinction between sulfates and sulfites is vital in terms of their different effect on those who suffer from histamine allergies. You can experience exposure problems with both sulfates and sulfites, but only exposure to sulfites can produce a histamine reaction.
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Distinction
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Sulfates are a type of mineral salt waste product that contains sulfuric acid, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services fact sheet on sulfates. Sulfites are a naturally occurring anti-microbial compound containing trace sulfur used in food and wine preservation, according to a Wine Intro.com article on “Sulfates vs. Sulfites.”
Sulfates
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Sulfates are a toxic waste by-product released into the groundwater and air via the heavy industrial processes of tanneries, steel mills, pulp mills, mines and textile plants. According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, exposure to sulfate waste does not trigger histamine reactions.
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Sulfites
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Sulfites occur naturally in many foods—red and white grapes, garlic, onions and dried apricots all contain sulfites, according to Wine Intro.com. Wine can offer a double-dose of sulfites—from wine grapes and preservatives—which makes wine more likely to trigger a histamine reaction.
Exposure
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While exposure to sulfates does not trigger histamine reactions, inhaling sulfate particles can cause lung irritation, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Service.
Allergic Reactions
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Exposure to sulfites, particularly in wine and food, can trigger allergic reactions in those who have histamine-related allergies or asthma, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Since 1987, the FDA has mandated food, wine and drugs containing more than 10 parts per million of sulfite must be labeled, in part because of histamine reactions.
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