Professional FAQs: Can you have allergy with excess consumption of chia seeds?

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Expert opinion from Elizabeth Hartz
B.S. in Dietetics and Nutrition · 5 years of experience · USA
Chia seeds are seeds that come from a plant in the mint family, called Salvia hispanica. Chia seeds are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, soluble fiber, and other beneficial compounds, so incorporating them into your diet is a good choice for many. Negative consequences of overconsumption of chia seeds include gastrointestinal discomfort because of the high fiber content, low blood sugar (especially for diabetics taking insulin or other blood sugar reducing medications), low blood pressure, and increased risk of bleeding for those already on blood thinners. That being said, overconsumption of chia seeds will not trigger an allergic reaction, unless you are already predisposed to having an allergy, especially a sesame allergy. Research has indicated that there is a cross-sensitization reaction in patients that have an existing sesame allergy.
Reference: Story by Elizabeth Hartz, Michael Colangelo,