Mixed Nut Challenge Test (MixNut) as an Efficient Procedure in the Management of Lipid Transfer Protein Allergy

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: Lipid transfer protein (LTP) syndrome is a leading cause of primary food allergy in Mediterranean countries, often associated with severe reactions. Due to in vitro cross-reactivity among plant foods, clinical manifestations are unpredictable, frequently requiring multiple oral food challenges (OFC) to assess nut tolerance. These procedures increase healthcare burden and patient anxiety. This study evaluated the safety and utility of a mixed-nut oral food challenge (MixNut) in LTP-sensitized patients. <b>Methods</b>: In this prospective observational multi-center study, patients with LTP syndrome were enrolled. Group A included individuals allergic to fruits or vegetables who had avoided nuts; Group B included patients with suspected or confirmed nut allergy. Participants underwent a MixNut challenge comprising 2-4 nuts (≥3 g protein per nut). <b>Results</b>: Nineteen patients (73.7% male; median age 32.5 years) underwent MixNut, testing 52 individual nuts. All challenges were negative. The MixNut approach reduced the number of OFC by 63% (from 52 to 19) and total testing time from 208 to 76 h. Specific IgE levels to LTP allergens (Pru p 3, Cor a 8, Ara h 9) varied widely and did not predict clinical reactivity. <b>Conclusions</b>: MixNut is an efficient diagnostic tool for LTP syndrome, significantly reducing testing time, costs, and patient burden. It facilitates accurate dietary management and prevents unnecessary food avoidance. Further studies should optimize MixNut protocols and identify predictive markers for clinical reactivity.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Nutrients
Published
2025-12-06
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17243822
Primary Topic
Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Research
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Mixed Nut Challenge Test (MixNut) as an Efficient Procedure in the Management of Lipid Transfer Protein Allergy

Carlos Pastor‐Vargas, Manuel De las Heras Gozalo, Diana Betancor, Javier Cuesta‐Herranz et al.
Nutrients
Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Research
article

Mixed Nut Challenge Test (MixNut) as an Efficient Procedure in the Management of Lipid Transfer Protein Allergy

Carlos Pastor‐Vargas, Manuel De las Heras Gozalo, Diana Betancor, Javier Cuesta‐Herranz, Elisa Haroun Díaz
article en

Abstract

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: Lipid transfer protein (LTP) syndrome is a leading cause of primary food allergy in Mediterranean countries, often associated with severe reactions. Due to in vitro cross-reactivity among plant foods, clinical manifestations are unpredictable, frequently requiring multiple oral food challenges (OFC) to assess nut tolerance. These procedures increase healthcare burden and patient anxiety. This study evaluated the safety and utility of a mixed-nut oral food challenge (MixNut) in LTP-sensitized patients. <b>Methods</b>: In this prospective observational multi-center study, patients with LTP syndrome were enrolled. Group A included individuals allergic to fruits or vegetables who had avoided nuts; Group B included patients with suspected or confirmed nut allergy. Participants underwent a MixNut challenge comprising 2-4 nuts (≥3 g protein per nut). <b>Results</b>: Nineteen patients (73.7% male; median age 32.5 years) underwent MixNut, testing 52 individual nuts. All challenges were negative. The MixNut approach reduced the number of OFC by 63% (from 52 to 19) and total testing time from 208 to 76 h. Specific IgE levels to LTP allergens (Pru p 3, Cor a 8, Ara h 9) varied widely and did not predict clinical reactivity. <b>Conclusions</b>: MixNut is an efficient diagnostic tool for LTP syndrome, significantly reducing testing time, costs, and patient burden. It facilitates accurate dietary management and prevents unnecessary food avoidance. Further studies should optimize MixNut protocols and identify predictive markers for clinical reactivity.

NutrientsVol. 17(24)
Universidad Complutense de Madrid (ES), Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz (ES), Hospital Universitario Infanta Leonor (ES)
Openalex Percentile: Top 50%
Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Research
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.