Sunflower seed
Other names sunflower seeds, sunflower kernels
Sunflower seed: high in nickel; low in histamine and salicylate. If you're sensitive to any of these, check it against your profile before eating.
Intolerances
- NickelHigh
Sunflower seeds are high in nickel and turn up as a topping rather than a meal, which makes the dose easy to miss - a seeded loaf or a granola can carry several portions.
Sources· 1
- Flyvholm M-A et al., Z Lebensm Unters Forsch 179 (1984) 427-431, nickel content of food and estimates of dietary intake
- Histamine (+liberators / DAO inhibitors)Low
The sunflower seed is a dry seed, and a dry seed produces no amines - bacteria need water to work. Rancidity does not change that: it is the oil reacting with oxygen, which yields aldehydes and off-flavours rather than amines - a good reason to smell before eating, and not a histamine one.
- SalicylateLow
Sunflower seed is low in salicylate, one of the more usable seeds when nuts are being avoided. Roasting does not change it.
- TyramineNone
- SucroseNone
- FODMAPsNone
- LactoseFODMAPsNone
- OligosaccharidesFODMAPsNone
- SorbitolFODMAPsNone
- FructoseFODMAPsNone
- OxalatesNone
- GlutenNo
Intolerance levels are based on our documented scientific sources. See sources →
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Frequently asked questions
Which intolerances does sunflower seed affect?
Sunflower seed is notable for nickel, histamine and salicylate. Clear on tyramine, sucrose, FODMAPs, lactose, oligosaccharides, sorbitol, fructose, oxalates and gluten.
Does sunflower seed contain nickel?
Yes — sunflower seed is high in nickel. Sunflower seeds are high in nickel and turn up as a topping rather than a meal, which makes the dose easy to miss - a seeded loaf or a granola can carry several portions.
Does sunflower seed contain histamine?
Sunflower seed contains only low levels of histamine. The sunflower seed is a dry seed, and a dry seed produces no amines - bacteria need water to work. Rancidity does not change that: it is the oil reacting with oxygen, which yields aldehydes and off-flavours rather than amines - a good reason to smell before eating, and not a histamine one.
Does sunflower seed contain salicylate?
Sunflower seed contains only low levels of salicylate. Sunflower seed is low in salicylate, one of the more usable seeds when nuts are being avoided. Roasting does not change it. Amounts vary by brand and recipe, so always check the label of the exact product.
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