New to Corn Allergy

And so it begins…  You have been diagnosed with corn allergy or a corn intolerance, or you suspect a corn allergy/intolerance from a food challenge or from basic observation and a food journal…either way you are overwhelmed with avoiding this ubiquitous allergen. What does it mean to have a corn allergy or corn intolerance?  Your allergist or doctor has instructed you to avoid all corn, possibly giving you suggestions of how this could work in theory.  Correct?  Did they give you any indication how difficult it was actually going to be in practice?

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The intent of this page is to assist you in avoiding all corn, including hidden corn from processing and corn derivatives that may “no longer have any corn protein.”  These are the questions I asked myself almost two years ago.  Corn is ubiquitous.  It is actually used so much, in every facet of our lives, I jokingly call it “air.”  Please let me know if you have any questions.

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Please keep in mind, you will make mistakes and you will have reactions.  Products that appear safe will confuse you and you may inevitably try them out of desperation.  These products can cause a reaction because of the hidden corn derivatives used in the cleaning, processing, manufacturing and even packaging.  Be careful. Ask questions. Do your research.

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Bookmark and read these posters and pamphlets from different Corn Grower Associations.  It could save your health and life.

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It Begins With A Kernel

In A World Without Corn

Corn Uses Poster

Good Things Come From Corn

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Additional Corn Free Basics from Kristy @ LivingItUpCornFree

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The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Corn Allergy

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Where will I find corn?  I mean, is it only in food or is it in other places?

• Link to the Corn Uses Poster
• Link to the Good Things Come From Corn
• Corn and corn derivatives are everywhere.  Corn and corn derivatives are in everything.  I am not trying to scare you, but I do want to make sure you understand that one point.

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Is corn labeled like the other allergens?

• No.  Corn is not labeled like the “Top 8 Allergens” (milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, fish, wheat, soy), which is what makes it so difficult to avoid.
• Corn derivatives are used in processing of meat (both conventional and organic),  fresh/frozen fruits and vegetables, added to bottled water, fruit juices, baby food, milk (both organic and non), coffee, soaps, shampoos, conditioners, toothpaste, deodorant, and the list goes on.

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So, how do I tell if corn is in a product?

• You will need to familiarize yourself with the names of corn and corn derivatives, which I will call “hidden corn.”
• Declared Corn / Zea Mays:
  • Zea Mays
  • Corn
  • Maize
  • Zein
  • Cornstarch
  • Cornflour
  • High Fructose Corn Syrup
  • Corn Syrup
  • Corn solids
  • Corn sweetener
  • Corn oil
  • Corn alcohol
  • Corn gluten
  • Popcorn
  • Corn Meal
  • Corn Extract
  • Hydrolized Corn
  • Hydrolized Corn Protein
  • Malt Syrup from Corn
  • Modified Cornstarch

• Hidden Corn
  • Jenny Connors has done a great job with figuring out all of the hidden names of corn.
  • You will also need to familiarize yourself with this list of corn derivatives
  • Until you become more apt of recognizing corn derivative, I would recommend keeping a copy of this list with you at all times and giving a copy to your compounding pharmacist.
• Early in your journey of corn avoidance, you will also need to contact companies to determine if suspect ingredients are derived from corn.
  • Check the Delphi Forum to see if anyone has already done this.
  • Link to the Company Disclosures of Corn Content in products/foods/supplements/etc. thread on Delphi
  • Also, ask for help on the Delphi Forum forum if you need assistance with the aforementioned step.

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So, if I eliminate corn from my diet will this be enough?

• For some individuals it will be enough.
• For some individuals it seems to be enough and a few months later they will have unexplained reactions, then a further elimination is needed.
• For most corn allergic individuals, the short answer is no.  Most individuals need to further remove corn from their toiletries, cleaning supplies, environment (fumes), and medications.  Fumes mean anything that is designed to have a scent.
• Unfortunately, there is no set guideline with this and it varies with each individual and sensitivity level.

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In what ways are corn and corn derivatives used in toiletries, household cleaning supplies, environment, and medications?

• In the aforementioned items, corn is used as Xanthan gum, polysorbate 80, polyethylene glycol, “starch,” cellulose, citric acid, plant based surfactants, corn oil, glycerin, and more
  • Remember the corn derivatives list
  • Remember the Corn Uses Poster
  • Remember the Good Things Come From Corn)
• As you begin your corn avoidance journey, I recommend that you review and examine every single product that comes in contact with your person (ingestion, topical, smell).  This includes all of the all food, drinks/juices, perfumes, personal care products, toiletries, and cleaners in your home.
• If you are confused or need assistance, please post questions to the Delphi Forum.
• Safe Toiletries:  Current List of Toiletries I use
• Safe Toiletries:  Link to Corn Free Products List
• Safe Household Products:  Current List of Household Cleaning Products I use
• Safe Household Products: Link to Corn Free Products List

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What exactly do you mean by toiletries?

• toothpaste
• deodorant (Make your own)
• soap / hand soap / liquid soap
• shampoo / unscented and scented
• conditioner / leave-in conditioner
• lotion / unscented and scented
• shaving cream
• body creams
• styling products
• nail polish
• nail polish remover
• basic alcohol (for cuts and abrasions)
• germ-x / hand sanitizer
• wet wipes
• perfumes
• body mist/spray
• toilet paper (Recent Toilet Paper Discussion from Delphi)
• whatever else you use to prepare yourself for going out into the world…

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What do you mean by household cleaning products?

• Multi purpose cleaner
• Paper Towels
• Tissue
• Glass/Window Cleaner
• Laundry Detergent, laundry odor eliminator,
• Dryer Sheets
• Carpet Cleaner
• Carpet Deodorizer
• Wood cleaner
• Spray Starch
• Toilet Bowl Cleaner
• Shower Build-up Cleaner
• Floor cleaner
• Floor Dusting material/paper
• Air Refresher
• Clothing Refresher
• Dusting spray aids
• Laundry beads (ANYTHING that’s “unstoppable”)
• White Vinegar is Corn

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How is corn used in medications?

• Corn is used as an excipient.
• Click here to check the ingredients of your prescriptive and over-the-counter (OTC) medication
• Corn Uses Poster 
• Good Things Come From Corn
• This is a link to my Medications Page.  It is very important to find a compounded pharmacist and an MD who understand the use of corn derivatives in over the counter (OTC) and prescription medications and who are willing to write and fill/compound/make corn and corn derivative free prescriptions.
• Article discussing allergic reaction to excipients
• Corn is the excipient of choice in most over the counter and prescriptions drugs
  • propylene glycol
  • cellulose (could be made from wood)
  • lactic acid (could be made from dairy)
  • methylcellulose
  • manitol
  • sorbitol
  • magnesium stearate
  • dextrose
  • glucose
  • tocopherol
  • xylitol
  • ethyl*
  • the list goes on…
• “Multiple pharmaceutical products contain excipients, or additive chemicals, to improve stability, bioavailability, antimicrobial activity, or palatability. Two of the most common excipients are propylene glycol and parabens.”
• Be aware of pitfalls in a hospital setting
  • Intravenous  fluids containing glucose and dextrose are problematic for corn allergic/intolerant individuals.
  • Request Saline Only IV
  • Probable Anaphylactic Reaction to Corn-Derived Dextrose IV
  • Intravenous fluids in hospital need a carrier vehicle.
  • Propylene glycol is a colorless, odorless liquid thought to be a harmless carrier vehicle…  It is present in multiple IV drug preparations frequently used by anesthesiologists and other physicians; these drugs include lorazepam, diazepam, etomidate, digoxin, phenytoin, nitroglycerin, hydralazine, esmolol, phenobarbital, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and chlordiazepoxide. Propylene glycol is also found in myriad gels and other products used frequently by medical personnel, including gels contained in electrocardiogram electrodes, for ultrasound examinations, and even alcohol-based hand-cleansing preparations.
    • Propylene glycol can be made from corn.
  • Band-aids, the adhesive could be derived from corn.
  • Alcohol swabs.  I’m not sure if the isopropyl alcohol is derived from corn or not.  I can only speak from experience in that this alcohol causes shortness of breath, makes my skin burn and I experience a terrible rash at the contact area and surrounding areas.
  • Hand sanitizer.  Has the same effect as the alcohol swab.

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Is corn in drinking alcohol and beer?

• Go here to see how corn derivatives are used in the making of alcoholic beverages
• Short answer…  Yes.
  • Unmodified starch
  • Maltodextrin
  • Glucose Syrup
  • Dextrose
  • High Fructose Corn Syrup
  • Ethanol
  • Organic Acids
  • Fermentation
• Corn Uses Poster 
• Good Things Come From Corn
• Many alcoholic beverages sold in the US are grain alcohol.
• Alcohol is made by fermentation.  (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beer)
• “The basic ingredients of beer are water; a starch source, such as malted barley, able to be saccharified (converted to sugars) then fermented (converted into alcohol and carbon dioxide); a brewer’s yeast to produce the fermentation; and a flavouring such as hops.[43] A mixture of starch sources may be used, with a secondary starch source, such as maize (corn), rice or sugar, often being termed an adjunct, especially when used as a lower-cost substitute for malted barley.[44] “
• I do not drink alcohol.  I have not done very much research into this matter.  If you have any additional question, please comment below and I will delve into this more.

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Is corn used in cigarettes?

• Short answer, yes.
• Corn Uses Poster 
• Good Things Come From Corn
• Tobacco uses a drastic amount of corn in its production
  • Modified Starch
  • Maltodextrins
  • Dextrose
  • Glucose Syrups
  • High Fructose Corn Syrup
  • Organic Acids
• The paper of the cigarettes also utilizing corn starch in its production
• Blog Post:  What’s in a Cigarette?

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Is corn in building/remodeling supplies?

• Short answer, yes.
• Corn Uses Poster 
• Good Things Come From Corn
• Corn is used in
  • Cardboard
  • Ceramics
  • Cork Products
  • Fibreboard, plywood
  • Fibreglass
  • Glass or rock wool
  • Paints and varnishes
  • Tile, ceiling
  • Wallboard
  • Wall treatment Compound

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Is corn used in craft/art supplies?

• Yes.
• Corn Uses Poster 
• Good Things Come From Corn
• Corn is used in
  • Paints,
  • Crayons,
  • Paper,
  • Cardboard,
  • Glue, Adhesives
  • Balloons
  • Book Binding
  • Printing ink
• Easiest thing is to make your own products.  I will provide links to making your own craft products as I perfect each one.
• Link to Crayon Blog Post
• Link to Glue Blog post
• Link to Chalk Blog Post

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Is corn used in baby products, including food and formula?

• Unfortunately, corn is used in almost all baby products on the market
• Corn and corn derivatives are used in:
  • Baby formula
  • baby food
  • baby snack food
  • baby juice
  • baby wipes
  • disposable diapers
  • butt creams
  • pedialyte
  • fever reducing medication, OTC and prescription
  • teething ointments and gels
  • ointments
  • colic/anti-colic medicines (both prescriptions, homeopathic, and OVC)
  • appliques on some babies clothing
  • baby lotion
  • baby soap
  • Baby toys can be made from corn
  • baby toy animals can use a corn stuffing to fill them
  • baby clothing (including buttons) can be made from corn
  • baby serving ware (plates, bowls, cups, utensils) can be made from corn
  • filling for mattresses and sheets can be made from corn
  • Corn Uses Poster 
  • Good Things Come From Corn
• Safe Baby Items:  Personal Care Items I Currently use
• Safe Baby Items:  Baby Items I currently use

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What are some ways corn is used in the production and distribution of animal protein (meat/protein: beef, chicken, lamb, duck, eggs, etc.)?

• Corn in the processing, production and manufacturing of meat
• Corn is often used
  • In the feed of animals
  • Citric acid and lactic acid (corn derivatives) are often used to wash the carcasses of the animals
  • Vinegars containing corn derivatives are also used to wash the carcasses
  • Meat Packaging is often dusted with corn starch
  • Soaker Pads, located under the meat, are often soaked in citric acid to preserve freshness
• Corn Uses Poster 
• Good Things Come From Corn
• KOL Foods lamb and beef is safe during Passover only

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What are some ways corn is used in fresh produce, vegetables and fruits?

• Corn derivatives are used on fresh and frozen produce.
  • Fresh produce is often with a cleaner, or veggie wash, before being set out for purchase.  The cleaner/veggie was usually contains a corn derivative.
  • Fresh produce can be gassed to aid in ripening the fruit/vegetables.
  • Fresh produce can be waxed to improve its appearance.  The wax is typically derived from corn.
  • Pesticides and Herbicides used in the field can be problematic for the corn avoider.
• If at all possible, it is better to buy locally, grown organic produce.  You will have the opportunity to interview the farmer and ask about any cross-contamination issues that might exists.
• Frequent Farmer’s markets during the Spring/Summer/Fall.  Can, Dehydrate, Freeze food for winter
• Start your own garden.

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Are all Organic or “Natural” foods corn free?

• Short answer…No.

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Corn-Free Foods, Products, and Grocery Store Lists

• These lists are for potentially corn-free products and foods that can be located at alternative and some mainstream grocery store.  These products/foods have been company confirmed or member trialed corn free.  Please proceed with caution as distributors for ingredients can change without warning and raw ingredients, concerning corn derivatives, can change without labeling.
• Corn-Free Foods and Products List
• Corn-Free and Gluten-Free Foods and Products List
• Corn-Free Bar Menu List
• WHOLE FOODS: Delphi discussion of available corn-free items
• TRADER JOE’S (TJ’s):  Delphi discussion of available corn-free items
• Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s (TJ’s):  Another thread from Delphi

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Blog post concerning “Corn Free” or “No Corn” on labels of foods, supplements, etc.

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How is corn used in feminine items?

• Glues and Adhesives on the back of the disposable napkins
• Pads/tampons covered in irritants and chemicals (Dioxin and TTS (Toxic Shock Syndrome))
• Corn starch is used in the production of paper products and cardboard
• Cellulose gel made from corn
• Lubricant on Condoms is derived from corn (Link to Delphi Forum Discussion on condoms)
• Link to Feminine Products Discussion from Delphi
• You can use organic cloth pads (Links at bottom of page ) and a Diva cup instead (not the wash!)
• Safe Feminine Products:  Link to Personal Care Products

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Are corn derivative used in vaccines?

• Short answer….Yes.

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How to clear/clean corn out of your home and life?

• Everything in your medicine cabinet, cupboard, refrigerator, freezer, laundry room, bathroom, kitchen, garage, etc. should come under scrutiny when you are attempting to avoid corn.
• Corn and corn derivatives are everywhere.  Corn and corn derivatives are in everything.  I am not trying to scare you, but I do want to make sure you understand that one point.

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Other places corn and corn derivatives are used:

• Corn is used in textiles.  Textiles includes clothing, sheets, comforters, yarn, etc.
• Corn in furniture.  Varnishes, paints, cork board, etc.
• Corn in the office.  Paper products, hand sanitizers, soaps, air refresheners, etc.
• Corn in plastics.  Some plastics are made from corn.
• Corn can be used in bakeware, rubber, shoes, tires, polyurethane foam, explosives, fireworks, leather, batteries, candles, matches, typewriter ribbon, printer ink, fuel, trash bags, briquettes, antiobiotics, enzymes, insecticides, pharmaceuticals, surgical dressings, adhesives, gums pastes, dyes, oilcloth, printing, sizing material, windowshades, straws, bookbinding, parchmant, wallpaper, invalid feeding, filters, rice and coffee polish, and every single food imaginable.

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Corn Allergy Research.  Scientific articles and case studies concerning corn allergy.

• Case Studies, More Information and References from Allergy Resources International
• Multiple Scientific articles concerning corn allergy
• Corn Allergy Information from Thermo Scientific

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Bookmark and read these posters and pamphlets from different Corn Grower Associations.  It could save your health and life.

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It Begins With A Kernel

In A World Without Corn

Corn Uses Poster

Good Things Come From Corn