Corn isn’t considered one of the top food allergens, but for some people, corn allergies are a serious issue. More than 500 members of MyFoodAllergyTeam report having a corn allergy.

Avoiding corn can be tricky because it’s used in many products. Fortunately, new advances in allergy treatment could make treating corn allergies much easier. Here are five important facts about this less common but challenging allergy.

1. There Are Different Types of Corn Allergies

Not everyone with a corn allergy reacts the same way. Most people are allergic to corn proteins, with zein being the main culprit, though other proteins can also trigger reactions.

Other people are allergic to corn pollen. People who live near corn farms or work in facilities that process corn can be particularly vulnerable to corn pollen allergies. It’s possible to be allergic to corn pollen but not to corn as a food.

“Both of my grown children and two of our three grandchildren have a corn allergy,” shared a member of MyFoodAllergyTeam. “My youngest daughter has it the worst. She gets hives the minute she steps outside. We live in the Midwest, so corn is always present.”

Knowing what part of corn triggers your allergies is key to managing it without unnecessary restrictions. Before putting in the effort to avoid every trace of corn, make sure to get the right diagnosis.

2. Corn Allergies Can Cause Various Symptoms

People with corn allergies may experience skin symptoms like hives or eczema. They may also have swelling or itching in the mouth and throat. Others have a stuffy or runny nose or digestive problems like diarrhea and vomiting. In severe allergic reactions, corn can trigger life-threatening anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical attention.

One MyFoodAllergyTeam member shared their experience with testing for corn allergies: “Today, I will try corn again to be absolutely sure. Each time, my reaction is either itching or uncontrollable diarrhea. My doctor said I could have different reactions depending on how the corn was processed. That makes it hard to know what my allergy is.”

Respiratory symptoms, like nasal congestion and difficulty breathing, are more common in people with a corn pollen allergy. However, similar symptoms may be triggered by mold or other substances on corn crops, rather than the corn pollen itself.

3. Avoiding Corn Is Challenging

Since corn isn’t considered a common food allergen, it can be difficult to find on food labels. Additionally, corn is often used in processed foods. People who are highly sensitive to corn may need to watch out for products such as:

• Baking powder
• Candy
• Canned fruit
• Cereals
• Jam
• Processed meats
• Sauces
• Starch

Some food additives that may trigger a corn allergy reaction include:

• Caramel
• Cellulose
• Citric acid
• Dextrin
• Dextrose
• Maltodextrin
• Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
• Sorbitol
• Vanilla extract
• Xantham gum

High fructose corn syrup, a sweetener made from corn, is added to many processed foods. For those with corn allergies, this can be a problem. This can also affect people with fructose intolerance. Fructose intolerance causes stomach issues like diarrhea and bloating after eating fructose.

Corn-derived ingredients aren’t just used in food products. Maize and cornstarch are used as thickeners or bulking agents in many medications. You can also find corn derivatives in cosmetics, toothpaste, and paper products.

One MyFoodAllergyTeam member described their struggles with corn allergies, noting that many fruits and vegetables are coated or sprayed with corn derivatives, and even meat packaging and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)-mandated lactic acid sprays contain corn. They also pointed out that bagged produce and organic products often include corn-derived substances. “For those of us with corn allergies, it is very tough to find ‘safe’ foods,” the member wrote.

Another member wrote, “Some companies claim they don’t use corn derivatives, but upon further investigation, it turns out they do. They think once the corn protein is gone, you can’t have an allergic reaction. For most people with corn allergies, the only truly safe food is what we grow ourselves, unless we can find farms that don’t use sprays. We all have different levels of sensitivity,” they explained.

4. Corn Allergies Can Be Airborne

Corn pollen, which spreads through the air, can trigger allergic reactions, especially in warm, dry conditions. Some MyFoodAllergyTeam members even report having symptoms of a corn allergy simply from the smell of corn in food.

One MyFoodAllergyTeam member asked, “How do I avoid airborne allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, to popcorn and other corn products?” Another responded, “Airborne triggers are tough to avoid! In addition to staying out of movie theaters, fairgrounds, and amusement parks, I order my groceries online and pick them up, rather than walking around the store.”

They added, “Service dogs can be trained for allergen detection. I’ve heard some amazing stories! I considered it for my airborne peanut allergy, but it’s too costly.”

Avoiding exposure to corn completely can be difficult. However, seeing your allergist for regular checkups, having an emergency plan in place, and carrying an epinephrine autoinjector (like an EpiPen or Auvi-Q) can help give you peace of mind and reduce anxiety about accidental allergen exposure.

5. New Therapies Could Help

If you or a loved one has corn allergies, you may feel discouraged by how difficult it is to avoid corn. However, ongoing research into new therapies offers hope for the future of food allergy treatment.

Some promising allergy treatments under development include:

• Immunotherapies — Daily controlled allergen exposure is used to build up a tolerance to the allergen. An immunotherapy treatment for children with peanut allergies is currently available.
• Probiotics — Introducing different bacteria to the digestive system may help to reduce allergic reactions.
• Vaccines — Both nasal spray and injectable vaccines are being studied as potential treatments for food allergies.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyFoodAllergyTeam is the social network for people with food allergies and their loved ones. More than 41,000 members come together to ask questions, offer support and advice, and connect with others who understand life with food allergies.

Have you ever had an allergy test to screen for corn allergies? If you’re allergic to corn, what tips do you have for following a corn-free lifestyle? Share in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.