Introduction
Salicylates are a naturally occurring group of chemicals found in a wide range of foods, herbs and spices. Salicylates are similar in structure to salicylic acid which is manufactured to produce aspirin. Some people may be sensitive or allergic to aspirin and also react to foods containing Salicylates.
Aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years of age unless specified by a Doctor. Aspirin should be avoided in children aged 12 to 15 if they are feverish.
About
Food intolerance is a general term used to describe an adverse reaction to certain types of foods. An intolerance to Salicylates is a relatively common condition which can be managed by avoiding foods which contain these substances. The main food sources of Salicylates are fruits, vegetables, dried spices, tea and food flavourings. The average 'Western diet' has an estimated Salicylate intake ranging from 10 to 200 mg per day. In comparison, the average dose of aspirin contains 650 mg of Salicylic acid.
An intolerance to aspirin produces symptoms of asthma, skin rash, nausea, vomiting, nasal polyps, swelling of the face, neck, lips, larynx, hands, feet, genitals etc. Salicylates found in food may cause a similar reaction if consumed in high amounts by a person with Salicylate intolerance. A Salicylate-free diet can help to prevent these reactions and may also improve the clinical symptoms of asthma and skin rash in some cases. Following is a list of foods which contain Salicylates in significant amounts. A complete list can be obtained from a Dietitian.
FRUIT
Apricot, avocado, blackberry, black currant, blueberry, boysenberry, cherry, cranberry, currant (dried), date, grape, grapefruit, guava, Jonathan apple, kiwi fruit, lychee, mandarin, mulberry, nectarine, orange, passionfruit, peach, pineapple, plum, prune, raisin (dried), raspberry, red currant, rockmelon, strawberry, sultana (dried), watermelon etc.
VEGETABLES
Alfalfa sprouts, broad beans, capsicum, champignon mushrooms, chicory, cucumber, eggplant, endive, gherkin, hot pepper, olive, radish, tomato, zucchini, watercress etc.
NUTS
Almonds, cashews, water chestnuts etc.
SWEETS
Golden syrup, honey, liquorice, peppermint etc.
HERBS AND SPICES
Allspice, aniseed, bay leaf, black pepper, caraway, cardamom, cayenne, cinnamon, clove, cumin, curry, dill, five spice, garam masala, ginger, mace, mint, mixed herbs, mustard, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, pimiento, rosemary, sage, tarragon, thyme, turmeric, white pepper, white vinegar, etc.
CONDIMENTS
Honey, marmite, Worcestershire sauce etc.
BEVERAGES
Alcohol (especially apple cider, beer, sherry, brandy, liqueur, port, wine and rum), coffee, tea (black, caffeinated, decaffeinated, rosehip and peppermint), some coffee replacements, cola, fruit juice etc.
Aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years of age unless specified by a Doctor. Aspirin should be avoided in children aged 12 to 15 if they are feverish.
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