Type:
Whole Allergen
Allergen Encyclopedia
Table of Contents
Whole Allergen
f217 Brussel sprouts
f217 Brussel sprouts Scientific Information
Display Name:
Brussel sprouts
Family:
Brassicaceae
Latin Name:
Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera
Other Names:
Brussel sprouts
Environmental Characteristics
Other topics
Brussels sprouts, a cultivar of wild cabbage, belong to the Cabbage family, Brassicaceae (formerly Cruciferae). Brussels sprouts originated in the Mediterranean region from a loose-leafed wild plant, from a leafy wild cabbage/wild mustard plant. This was domesticated and eventually bred into widely varying forms, including Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Broccoli, Cauliflower, kale, and kohlrabi, all of which remain the same species.
Said to have been cultivated in 16th-century Belgium, Brussels sprouts, indeed, resemble tiny Cabbage heads. Important growing areas are Western and Central Europe, Japan, and North America.
The Brussels sprouts plant is a cool-season biennial, ranging in color from light green to deep grayish-green, and with round to heart-shaped leaves. The sprouts are modified leaves forming “heads.” Many rows of sprouts grow on a single long stalk. They range from 1 to 4 cm in diameter.
Brussels sprouts are restricted to cultivated beds. They are available canned, frozen or fresh, and are most often boiled or steamed and served as a side dish. They are high in vitamins A and C and are a fairly good source of iron.
Brussels sprouts are useful in providing suitable replacement foods for many patients with multiple food allergy.
Clinical Relevance
IgE-mediated reactions
No studies have been reported to date.
Molecular Aspects
No allergens from this plant have yet been characterized.
A lipid transfer protein (LTP) has been isolated from a close family member, Broccoli, suggesting that Brussels sprouts may contain an LTP. This has not been demonstrated to date (1, 2).
Cross-reactivity
An extensive cross-reactivity among the different individual species of the genus could be expected, as well as to a certain degree among members of the family Brassicaceae, including Broccoli, Cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and Cabbage (3). This has been supported by a study that reported cross-reactivity among Cabbage, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Mustard, Rape and Turnip (4). Some authors disagree and state that cross-reactivity among the Brassicaceae species is rare (5).
Cross-reactivity between Brussel sprouts and other plants containing LTP is possible.
Compiled By
Last Reviewed- April 2022
References
- Asero R, Mistrello G, Roncarolo D, Amato S, van Ree R. A case of allergy to beer showing cross-reactivity between lipid transfer proteins. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2001;87(1):65-7
- Asero R, Mistrello G, Roncarolo D, de Vries SC, Gautier MF, Ciurana CL, Verbeek E, Mohammadi T, Knul-Brettlova V, Akkerdaas JH,
et al. Lipid transfer protein: a pan-allergen in plant-derived foods that is highly resistant to pepsin digestion.
Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2000;122(1):20-32 - Yman L. Botanical relations and immunological cross-reactions in pollen allergy. 2nd ed. Pharmacia Diagnostics AB. Uppsala. Sweden. 1982: ISBN 91-970475-09
- Blaiss MS, McCants M, Lehrer S. Anaphylaxis to cabbage: detection of allergens.
Ann Allergy 1987;58:248-50 - Ortolani C, Ispano M, Ansaloni R, Rotondo F, Incorvaia C, Pastorello EA Diagnostic problems due to cross-reactions in food allergy.
Allergy 1998;53:(Suppl 46):58-61
