The corn-free diet is eaten by people who have a true allergy to corn. People with corn allergies need to avoid all
foods that contain corn or corn products, as well as many miscellaneous nonfood items (such as
some medicines and adhesives) that contain corn, in order to avoid the symptoms that occur
when they are exposed to corn. To ensure you avoid corn:
Read labels carefully to determine if a corn product is included and avoid any
food if you’re not sure until you are able to verify that it is corn-free.
Ask manufacturers of medications and other nonfood items if they use corn in
their products.
Best bets: Grains and starches such as buckwheat, millet, oats, potatoes,
rice, rye, and wheat
Doctors sometimes recommend a corn-free diet to help determine if someone is allergic to
corn. People who have been diagnosed as corn-allergic follow a corn-free diet to avoid the
symptoms triggered when they eat corn––reactions that can vary considerably from
person to person.
What are the symptoms?
Corn allergy symptoms may include any of the common symptoms of food allergies, including skin rashes or hives, gastrointestinal distress, breathing problems,
or many other possible symptoms. Although in severe cases, a life-threatening reaction called
anaphylaxis may occur, anaphylaxis to corn is a rare event.
What do I need to avoid?
Most people who are allergic to corn are allergic to the protein in corn. Corn oil poses
little risk of causing an allergic reaction because processing removes almost all the protein;
however, people who are highly sensitive to corn should avoid corn oil, too.
To avoid corn and corn products ask about ingredients at restaurants and others’
homes, read food labels, and become familiar with the technical or scientific terms for corn.
The following list is not complete. Consult with a healthcare professional before making any
significant changes to your diet.
Bacon and cooked meats in gravies that contain corn syrup or HFCS
Cured ham, sausages, and wieners that
contain corn syrup, HFCS, or glucono-delta lactone (GDL)
Luncheon meats and sandwich spreads that contain corn syrup or HFCS
Medicines to avoid:
Dextrose is common in IV solutions.
Most solid or liquid medicines and dietary supplements contain cornstarch. Inquire to the
manufacturer, because excipients (additional ingredients) may not necessarily appear on the
label.
Miscellaneous products to avoid:
Bath or body powder (may contain corn starch)
Corn oil is used in emollient creams and toothpastes.
Corn syrup is often used as a texturizer and carrying agent in cosmetics.
Envelopes, labels, stickers, stamps, and tape may contain corn.
Plastic wrap, paper cups and plates can be coated with corn oil.
Some plastic food wrappers contain corn.
Sorbitol in oral hygiene products (mouthwash and toothpaste) is commercially produced from
corn.
Zest soap
Best bets
The following foods are good replacements for corn in the diet:
Replacing medicines and other products that contain corn-derived ingredients may require
advice from a pharmacist or other knowledgeable professionals
Are there any groups or books?
The Allergy Self-Help Cookbook: Over 350 Natural Food Recipes,
Free of All Common Food Allergens by Marjorie Hurt-Jones, Emmaus, PA: Rodale Press,
2001.
The Food Allergy Network (information on food allergies, label
reading, food preparation, and management and education programs)
www.foodallergy.org
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
www.aaaai.org
International Food Information Council Foundation
www.ific.org
Bibliography
Crippa M and Pasolini G. Allergic reactions due to
glove-lubricant-powder in health-care workers. Int Arch Occup Environ Health.
1997;70:399–402.
Park H and Nahm DH. Identification of IgE-binding components in
occupational asthma caused by corn dust. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol.
1997;79:75–9.
The information presented in the Food Guide is for informational purposes
only and was created by a team of US–registered dietitians and food experts. Consult
your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any
supplements, making dietary changes, or before making any changes in prescribed medications.
Information expires June 2009.
