Those with PEANUT ALLERGIES CAN CROSS REACT to FENUGREEK & LUPIN

While called a “nut”, peanuts are actually legumes. They grow underground, as opposed to nuts like walnuts, almonds, etc. that grow on trees (and are sometimes referred to as "tree nuts").

Like beans and peas, peanuts, are edible seeds found in pods and belong to the single plant family, Leguminosae.  Some Tender Foodies who are allergic to peanuts experience a cross-reaction to other legumes, although this is not always the case. 

A recent study (May, 2012) conducted in Norway found a direct & serious cross-reaction in peanut allergic mice to the spices Fenugreek & Lupin, both members of the plant family Fabaceae – which is a legume family  Here’s the heart of the study:

Lupin and Fenugreek are examples of so-called “new” and “hidden” allergens which have been introduced to Norway, for instance in ready-made meals, over the last 10-15 years. Lupin was introduced as a supplement to wheat flour in various bakery products because of its ability to promote good baking. Fenugreek is used as an ingredient in foods such as curry, chutney and spiced tea and is well known in Asian dishes. Packaging often does not show whether Fenugreek is an ingredient, as the consumer information merely says “spices”. Both Lupin and Fenugreek can lead to serious cross-reactions in patients with peanut allergy, in contrast to other legumes such as soya and peas.

Source:

Norwegian School of Veterinary Science;  http://www.veths.no/en/Home/News/News-stories/Cross-reactivity-between-peanuts-and-other-legumes-can-lead-to-serious-allergic-reactions/

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515052531.htm

UPDATE 8/27/2014: 

FDA has just issued a warning about lupin as a new ingredient in gluten-free foods.  Read more.