Can patients with peanut allergy take calcium and vitamin D supplements?

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Publisher: Wessex Drug and Medicines Information Centre

Keywords: peanut; soya; soy; soybean; soya oil; legume; calcium; vitamin D; ergocalciferol; colecalciferol; cross-reactions

Date published: 13/12/2011 10:21

Review date: 30/09/2013 10:00

Summary

by: Alex Weston

Soya oil may be used as a carrier for vitamin D in some calcium and vitamin D supplements.

As peanut and soya belong to the same plant family (legumes), concern has been raised that patients allergic to peanuts might also be allergic to soya. There is no consistent published advice on the risk of cross-sensitivity, and further studies are required to quantify the risk.

Current specialist advice is that patients who are allergic to peanuts are not usually advised to avoid soya, because the clinical significance of cross-reactivity is not completely clear. These patients almost certainly eat soya without realising it as it is such a common part of the diet. Soya should be avoided in children who have had a soya allergy or anaphylaxis to minute traces of peanut. However, if there is any clinical concern then patients should be referred for specialist investigations.

Whilst certain brands of calcium and vitamin D preparations containing soya oil are specifically contra-indicated in those hypersensitive to soya or peanuts, others are not. Such manufacturer’s contra-indications should be borne in mind when choosing a product.

If a soya-free preparation is deemed appropriate, three calcium and vitamin D preparations which do not contain soya are currently available (Adcal D3 caplet, Zanza and Actavis generic brands of calcium and ergocalciferol).

About this library entry

Category: 9.6.4 Vitamin D | Allergy | FAQs

NeLM area: Evidence > Medicines Q & A