Can You Be Allergic to Sugar? The Surprising Connection to Dust Mites
Allergy to sugar? That sounds almost impossible, right? We’ve always believed that sugar molecules are too small to trigger an immune response. And yet, allergy is a complex and ever-evolving field—there’s still so much we don’t fully understand!
Let me take you on a journey that begins with the initial sensitizer—the original sin of allergy, if you will. And in Malaysia, that culprit is none other than the house dust mite.
Dust Mites: The Hidden Trigger Behind Unusual Allergies
Malaysia’s warm and humid climate is a paradise for dust mites. These microscopic creatures thrive in our homes, especially in bedding, carpets, and upholstered furniture. Since they can’t drink water, they absorb moisture from the air—meaning high humidity keeps them alive and thriving.
What do they eat? Our dead skin flakes. Every night, as we sleep, we share our beds with millions of these tiny creatures. In return, they leave behind allergens—tiny proteins in their bodies, feces, and secretions—that trigger allergic reactions.
House dust mites are one of the biggest culprits behind allergic rhinitis (hay fever). But here’s where things take a fascinating turn: In some cases, dust mite allergy may also cause a reaction to sugar!
Blomia Tropicalis: The Unique Dust Mite of the Tropics
There’s something special about the dust mites found in Malaysia. While most people have heard of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae, Malaysia is home to another key player: Blomia tropicalis.
Unlike its more well-known relatives, Blomia tropicalis carries unique allergens that don’t exist in other dust mite species. This means that individuals sensitized to Blomia tropicalis may have allergic reactions that are quite different from typical dust mite allergies.
The figure above shows the photos of dust mites and their relevant allergens (Allergo Journal International DOI:10.1007/s40629-022-00205-w)
Want to learn how to reduce dust mite exposure in your home? Check out my guide: How to Control House Dust Mites
A Sugar Allergy? How Dust Mites Sensitize People to GOS
Now, here’s where things get really interesting.
I’ve encountered two cases of patients who experienced severe allergic reactions after consuming milk products containing GOS prebiotic. Within 30 minutes, their faces swelled up (angioedema), a classic sign of an allergic reaction.
After thorough allergy testing, both patients were found to be allergic to the dust mite Blomia tropicalis and to GOS (Galacto-oligosaccharides), a type of sugar prebiotic.
This unusual reaction has been described in medical literature, and I’m honored to have been part of the first paper to document it:
👉 An Unusual Cause of Food-Induced Anaphylaxis in Mothers – WAO Journal 2017
So, how does this happen?
The Science Behind the Link
Research suggests that exposure to Blomia tropicalis allergens can lead to cross-reactivity with GOS sugar. This means that when the immune system encounters GOS, it mistakenly identifies it as a harmful substance—leading to an allergic reaction.
It’s a fascinating and rare phenomenon!
Can GOS Allergy Resolve Over Time?
In my experience, most patients with GOS allergy see their symptoms improve over time. But why?
I have a few theories:
✔ Avoidance – By eliminating GOS from their diet, the immune system may “forget” the sensitivity over time.
✔ Immune Regulation – The body’s natural immune tolerance mechanisms may kick in, gradually reducing the reaction.
✔ Unknown Factors – There could be other elements at play that we haven’t yet discovered.
The immune system is incredibly complex, and we are still uncovering its mysteries.
Where Is GOS Found?
GOS (Galacto-oligosaccharides) is a prebiotic—a type of non-digestible fiber that feeds beneficial gut bacteria. It’s commonly found in:
🥛 Infant formula – Many baby formulas contain GOS to promote healthy gut microbiota.
🍶 Dairy products – Some yogurt, milk, and probiotic drinks are enriched with GOS.
🥣 Prebiotic supplements – Often marketed as digestive health boosters.
🍫 Functional foods – Energy bars and certain fortified snacks may contain GOS for gut health benefits.
For most people, GOS is beneficial. But for those sensitized to Blomia tropicalis, it could pose an unexpected allergy risk.
The Evolving World of Allergy
The connection between dust mites and sugar allergy is a reminder that allergy science is still evolving. What we once thought impossible—like a sugar allergy—may actually be real under specific conditions.
If you or someone you know has had unexplained allergic reactions to dairy or prebiotic products, dust mite allergy testing may be worth considering.
The world of allergy is full of surprises, and I’m excited to keep uncovering them!
👉 Have you experienced unusual allergies? Contact us for an evaluation
