Ask a migraine sufferer to name the foods commonly suspected of aggravating their condition and most would probably choose, "Chocolate, red wine or cheese." Imagine their reaction to read that in a 1979 study on migraine, published in the respected Lancet journal, eggs had been identified as common culprits(1)



In reality, eggs are a very common allergen. They are also one of the most reliable to test for - unlike some foods, an intolerant person will return a positive test, just like an allergic person, if a standard food skin test is given. The popularity of home tests is increasing, despite the inconsistent results.

Unfortunately, egg is contained in many products from baked produce to cake icing, the belief that cooking renders it harmless is untrue! Children with migraines are commonly allergic to eggs and at least two other trigger foods, and can gain relief simply by cutting these foods out of their diet. However, as eggs are an important source of protein, you should not eliminate them from your diet unless they have been proven to be the culprit. A food intolerance test and trial exclusion for three weeks should give you enough evidence to have a meaningful discussion with your qualified health professional as to whether exclusion will be beneficial.

Surprisingly, egg is common in vaccines. Measures have been taken to prevent egg exposure by deriving vaccines from embryos, however recent conclusions are that even the minimal exposure to chicken products could be hazardous.

People who are highly sensitive could react to inhalation. Staff in a confectionery factory inhaling powdered egg white used decoratively, soon afterwards suffered asthma attacks. This is one instance that shows how exposure to an egg allergen is possible even when you are trying hard to exclude them from your diet(3)!

Egg white can even be found in vaginal suppositories or in nappy rash ointment, and if an allergic reaction as severe as asthma or anaphylactic shock is possible, why not a migraine?

The sad thing about small children and food allergies is their inability to get across the point that something is wrong. Also, misdiagnosis is not unusual as parents and doctors have difficulty in accurately documenting symptoms.

A child who has repeatedly suffered a migraine after eating ice cream, may be allergic to the eggs or milk in the product, so, a process of elimination is necessary to define which is the culprit.

Eggs are such a strong allergen that many doctors advocate not serving eggs to children under two, as once an allergen is triggered, the body can build up a memory around it and it may cause you more grief down the line.

There are several foods that if avoided or given very sparingly can prevent a red flag going up in a child's immune system. Eggs are a bit of a riddle, because of the yolk and the white. Recent studies have proven that although the yolk of the egg is high in cholesterol, the white contains the means to combat it.

With no adverse reaction after 12 months, foods can be introduced one at a time. Should the migraines return, it will be an indication of a major trigger, which you should then try to avoid.

Eggs are good for you - except when they're not!

References:

(1) Grant ECG, "Food, Allergies and Migraine"; Lancet, May 5 1979;966-969

(2) Pediatrics in Review; 2006;27:118-119; © 2006 American Academy of Pediatrics

(3) Blanco Carmona JG, Juste Picon S, Garces Sotillos M, Rodriguez Gaston P; Occupational asthma in the confectionery industry caused by sensitivity to egg. Allergy 1992;47(2 Pt 2):190-191

Research by Grace-Alexander