Questions from the Exam Room

The other day a client asked me "Doesn't corn cause allergies?" So I got to thinking about the proper answer, so here it is. For a person, dog or cat to have allergies they have to have received from their parents the genetics that allow allergies to occur. Specifically they have to be able to produce an antibody in the class of "immunoglobulin E". If a body cannot produce this immunoglobulin, allergies cannot develop. So corn does not cause allergies by itself. The corn needs the help for the genetics of the body.
A protein is the molecule that the body's genetics react with to cause an allergy. A protein can come from almost anywhere. The house dust mites in your carpet are a common source of allergic itching. Ragweed gets many of us in the late summer. Tree or grass pollen is another common cause of allergic itch. BUT remember, if your body or your cat's body or your dog's body cannot produce those immunoglobulins (antibodies) then you cannot have allergies.
The above client's question should have been "What are common proteins that dogs or cats commonly react to and develop allergies"? In the case of food, wheat is one of the most common causes of food allergies with others on the list being corn, various meats, cow's milk, and even those unneeded dog biscuits I warn against to prevent excessive weight gain. Just remember, a food does not cause allergies. The body allows allergies to happen.
Dr. T. James Taylor February 19, 2010