HEALTH: Sulfites in wine may be affecting 5% of population (allergy/asthma)

WHO IS AT RISK?

"The most common adverse reactions, including wheezing, chest tightness and coughing are estimated to affect 5 to 10% of people with asthma. Symptoms are more likely when asthma is poorly controlled. However, adverse reactions to sulfites can also occur when there is no preceding history of asthma. Reactions can be mild through to potentially life threatening." [1]

FULL DOCUMENT [2] 

The FDA says that one person out of 100 is considered highly allergic to sulfites. According to Dr. Vincent Marinkovich, an allergist and clinical immunologist who has performed extensive research on SO ₂, sulfites pose no danger to about 99.75% of the population; the highest risk group are asthmatics (about 5% of the population) and only about 5% of this group is allergic to sulfites.

Many people, however, have little tolerance for sulfites. They are considered sulfite-sensitive. Even for moderate wine drinkers, the average level of sulfites found in many commercial wines can cause heartburns or other side effects. Unpleasant reactions include burning sensations, hives, cramps, and flushing of the skin. For them, organic wines are an especially good choice since they contain minimal amounts of sulfites that will in most cases lie below their threshold level.


[1]  http://www.allergy.org.au/patients/product-allergy/sulfite-allergy#sthash.cQCz5MSa.dpuf
[2]  http://www.allergy.org.au/images/pcc/ASCIA_PCC_Sulfite_sensitivity_2014.pdf

graphic source: http://alternative-doctor.com/allergies/sulfite-allergies/


note:
Sulfites severely dehydrate the blood and are involved in the onset of stomach cancer.