Diet and Supplements

Can using egg substitutes or replacements be safe for individuals with an egg allergy?

Substitutes and Replacements

Individuals should not assume either is safe unless they carefully read the label.

 

• Egg substitutes may contain eggs. 
• Egg replacement products may be egg-free.
• Look for alternatives labeled vegan or egg-free to ensure there are none.

Substitutes May Contain Eggs

Liquid egg substitutes in grocery store dairy aisles are made from eggs.  The following all contain eggs and are not safe for individuals with egg allergies:

 

• Generic liquid egg substitutes in cartons
• Egg Beaters
• Powdered egg white products

Replacements Are Safe Alternatives

• Special replacement products that do not contain eggs are available.
• They are labeled vegan egg substitutes.
• They are usually sold in powdered form.
• They are useful for baking.
• They cannot be used as a replacement for eggs in foods like a quiche.

Egg-Free Commercial Replacements

• PaneRiso Egg Replacement
• Ener-G Egg Replacement
• Bob's Red Mill Egg Replacement

 

Always check the ingredients on the label before purchasing a product sold as a substitute or replacement to ensure it is completely free.

 

• These products may also contain soy, dairy, or other food allergens.
• Vegan - contains no animal products, which includes eggs and dairy.
• Vegetarian - may contain eggs as they are not meat but an animal product.

Unaware of Foods With Eggs

Stay aware of eggs hidden in other food products, such as cakes, breads, pastries, noodles, crackers, and cereals.

 

• The federal Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act requires that all packaged food products that contain eggs as an ingredient must list the word egg on the label. (U.S. Food & Drug Administration. 2022)

 

Other ingredients that indicate eggs are in the product include:

 

• Albumin
• Globulin
• Lysozyme
• Lecithin
• Livetin
• Vitellin
• Ingredients starting with - ova or ovo.

Allergy Symptoms

Symptoms may consist of: (John W. Tan, Preeti Joshi 2014)

 

• Skin reactions - hives, rash, or eczema.
• Allergic conjunctivitis  - itchy, red, watery eyes.
• Angioedema - swelling of the lips, tongue, or face.
• Airway symptoms - wheezing, coughing, or a runny nose.
• Gastrointestinal symptoms - nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, or vomiting.
• Severe reactions - such as anaphylaxis, can cause multiple organ system failure.
• Anaphylaxis is an emergency and requires immediate medical treatment.

A Guide For Food Allergies, Hypersensitivity and Intolerances

 

General Disclaimer *

The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and identified the relevant research studies or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies that are available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.

 

We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, don't hesitate to get in touch with Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.

 

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

Licensed in: Texas & New Mexico*

References

U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (2022). Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA). Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/food/food-allergensgluten-free-guidance-documents-regulatory-information/food-allergen-labeling-and-consumer-protection-act-2004-falcpa

 

Tan, J. W., & Joshi, P. (2014). Egg allergy: an update. Journal of paediatrics and child health, 50(1), 11–15. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpc.12408