Pääallergeeni

Pääallergeeni refers to the primary allergen in a food substance that triggers an allergic reaction. When someone has a food allergy, their immune system overreacts to specific proteins within that food. These proteins are identified as the pääallergeeni. For example, in cow's milk allergy, the main allergenic proteins are typically casein and whey proteins. In peanut allergy, the pääallergeenit are often Ara h 1, Ara h 2, and Ara h 3. Identifying the pääallergeeni is crucial for diagnosis and management of food allergies. Medical professionals use various diagnostic methods, including skin prick tests and blood tests, to pinpoint the specific allergenic proteins responsible for a person's symptoms. Once identified, individuals can effectively avoid the offending food and manage their condition. Manufacturers are also required to clearly label the presence of common allergenic ingredients on food packaging, often listing them separately or in a "contains" statement, to help consumers with allergies make safe choices. The concept of a pääallergeeni helps to focus allergen avoidance strategies on the specific components of a food that pose the greatest risk.