Wine Allergies Sulfites
Wine Allergies-
For people who are sulfite sensitive and have allergic reactions to wine, vivatap neutralises the sulfites that cause the problems, so you can now enjoy a glass of wine (see testimonials) and instructions
Wine Contains Sulfites? So What
(Answers to some frequently asked questions about sulfites in wine – by William Bincoletto)
What are sulfites?
Sulfite is a word to describe forms of sulphurous acid, including sulphur dioxide. Sulfites have been used since ancient times for the purposes, including the cleansing of wine receptacles by Romans Egyptians. As food additives, they have been used since the 17th century. They are used for their preservative ability, which includes controlling microbial growth. It is their antioxidant properties that proved an important role in wine making. Sulfites are a natural and minor by-product of yeast
Who is allergic to sulfites?
The FDA in the US estimates that 1 in 100 people is sulfite sensitive to some degree, but for the 10% of the population who are asthmatic, up to 5% are at risk of having an adverse reaction to the substance.
More importantly, the most significant sulfite sensitivity reactions occur in susceptible asthmatics. From a public health standpoint, the subgroup of greatest concern is the sulfite-sensitive asthmatic population.
Of those the ones in whom the most severe reactions have been reported are steroid-dependant and are taking such drugs as prednisone or methylprednidolone. Most of these individuals have been cautioned by their doctor to avoid sulfite-containing wines or foods. The number of asthmatic patients that are included in this sulfite sensitive group is estimated to be 500,000 in the US.
In addition, there are a significant number of people with a genedic blood deficiency called G6PD deficiency. These people will have reactions to sulfites that range from minor to life threatening. They should avoid foods, beverages, and even medications with high levels of sulfites as well as some foods in the legume family.
What are the symptoms of a sulfite reaction?
The symptoms of sulfite sensitivity reaction vary from mild to life-threatening. The most common symptoms are and involve skin rash accompanied by redness, hives, itching, flushing, tingling and swelling. Respiratory symptoms include difficulty breathing, wheezing and stridor. Gastrointestinal reactions involve nausea and stomach cramps. Much less common but more serious signs and symptoms of sulfite sensitivity are low blood pressure, shock, extreme difficulty breathing, and loss of consciousness. As noted above, these symptoms of a severe reactions are most apt to occur in the steroid dependant asthmatic person.
I can drink only white wines. Do red wines have more sulfites?
Actually, red wines may have less sulfites. In 1993 the European Union passed regulations permitting higher levels of total sulpher dioxide in dry white wine than in dry red wine and an even higher level in sweet white wines and rode wines. The higher level in the sweet wines are necessary to prevent the further fermentation of the higher levels of residual sugar. If you have a problem with red wines, it may be related to the “red wine headache syndrome” Or, you may just be unfortunate enough to have an idiosyncratic allergy to one or more naturally occurring chemicals in some red wines.
