Sesame

Studies in people

• Concern

  allergy prevalence estimate²

  Sesame allergy affects 0.1 to 0.2 percent of people where sesame is eaten.

• Concern

  Long-lasting food allergy³

  In children, sesame allergy often lasted for years, especially when the first reaction was severe.

• Concern

  Allergic reactions in children⁴

  Sesame was found in many Lebanese foods that did not list it, and eating these may trigger reactions in allergic children.

Study type not stated

• Benefit

  Heart and liver health⁵

  Studies show sesame seeds may help lower cholesterol, protect the heart and liver, and fight inflammation.

• Concern

  allergy that persists⁶

  Sesame can cause allergic reactions, and most children with sesame allergy do not outgrow it.

• Concern

  allergic reaction severity⁷

  Sesame can trigger allergic reactions in some people, ranging from mild symptoms to severe ones.

• Concern

  Cross-reactive food reactions⁸

  Sesame can trigger allergic reactions, and it may also react in people allergic to peanut or tree nuts.

• Concern

  Seed allergy risk⁹

  Sesame is the seed most often linked to allergic reactions, though scientists say it is still rarely reported.

• Concern

  Food allergy in children¹⁰

  Sesame is now the ninth major food allergen in the US, affecting children.

The signal at the top counts the findings in people and in animal and lab studies. A concern in studies of people outranks animal and lab studies, and “No concerns” needs at least two findings in people. Findings whose study type is not stated are shown but not counted. This page is a reference, not medical advice. It describes what regulators and published research say. Talk to a doctor or dietitian about your own diet.