As the saying goes, "peanuts and alcohol go hand in hand, making one drink more," but a recent study published in the International Archives of Allergy and Immunology warns that allergy sufferers may face an increased risk of exacerbated symptoms when consuming nuts and alcohol simultaneously.

The study collected information from over 1,000 allergy patients visiting clinics in Canada, with more than half reporting food allergies. The most common allergens identified were peanuts, shellfish, and tree nuts (such as walnuts and hazelnuts), with the most frequent allergic symptom being a tightening of the throat. Among patients with severe food allergies, the proportion allergic to tree nuts was slightly higher than those allergic to peanuts. Moreover, the research found that consuming alcohol increases the risk of a more severe reaction to nut allergens by 51%.

Alcohol itself can act as an allergen and poses an additive risk when combined with nut allergies. It can cause vasodilation, which, following a food allergic reaction, can lead to a more severe shock response. After consuming alcohol, increased levels of acetaldehyde can induce the release of histamine from airway mast cells, thereby increasing the severity of allergic reactions.

Not only does the combination of peanuts and alcohol pose a risk, but some alcoholic beverages use nuts as flavoring agents. Even drinks that contain only artificial nut flavors can include derived components from nuts that may exacerbate reactions in individuals with nut allergies.

The study also found that among patients who are aware of their allergies to food and alcohol, only 24% have self-administered epinephrine in response to an allergic reaction.

Experts recommend that food manufacturers should include warning information on labels about the risk of alcohol exacerbating allergic reactions. Individuals with food allergies should be cautious and avoid consuming nuts together with alcohol. As holidays approach, it is especially important to be vigilant about the nut-flavored components in various alcoholic beverages. Additionally, experts advise learning how to use epinephrine auto-injectors and carrying them at all times for emergency situations.