MACADAMIA NUT: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Macadamia nuts (Macadamia integrifolia) are a type of seed native to Australia. More than 85% of the energy in macadamia nuts is from monounsaturated fat.

Roasted macadamia nuts are a popular snack. The monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) in macadamia nuts might lower cholesterol levels.

People use macadamia nuts for high cholesterol, heart disease, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.

Macadamia nut is a tree nut. Tree nuts are considered major food allergens in the US. Macadamia nut contents must be labeled on packaged food and supplement products.

View References

REFERENCES:

Moodley, R., Kindness, A., and Jonnalagadda, S. B. Elemental composition and chemical characteristics of five edible nuts (almond, Brazil, pecan, macadamia and walnut) consumed in Southern Africa. J Environ.Sci.Health B 2007;42(5):585-591. View abstract.

Curb JD, Wergowske G, Dobbs JC, et al. Serum lipid effects of a high-monounsaturated fat diet based on macadamia nuts. Arch Intern Med 2000;160:1154-8. View abstract.

De Knop KJ, Hagendorens MM, Bridts CH, Stevens WJ, Ebo DG. Macadamia nut allergy: 2 case reports and a review of the literature. Acta Clin Belg. 2010;65(2):129-32. View abstract.

Ekbote A, Hayman G, Bansal A. Macadamia nut allergy: potentially misleading specific IgE results. Allergy. 2010;65(10):1345. View abstract.

FDA. RE: Petition for a Qualified Health Claim for Macadamia Nuts and Reduced Risk of Coronary Heart Disease (Docket No. FDA-2015-Q-4850). July 2017 . Available at: https://www.fda.gov/media/106201/download. Accessed on March 6, 2020.

Food and Drug Administration. Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (FALCPA); Public Law 108-282, Title II. Accessed on May 19, 2021. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/food/food-allergensgluten-free-guidance-documents-regulatory-information/food-allergen-labeling-and-consumer-protection-act-2004-falcpa.

Garg ML, Blake RJ, Wills RB. Macadamia nut consumption lowers plasma total and LDL cholesterol levels in hypercholesterolemic men. J Nutr 2003;133:1060-3. View abstract.

Garg ML, Blake RJ, Wills RBH, Clayton EH. Macadamia nut consumption modulates favourably risk factors for coronary artery disease in hypercholesterolemic subjects. Lipids. 2007;42(6):583-7. View abstract.

Griel AE, Cao Y, Bagshaw DD, Cifelli AM, Holub B, Kris-Etherton PM. A macadamia nut-rich diet reduces total and LDL-cholesterol in mildly hypercholesterolemic men and women. J Nutr. 2008;138(4):761-7. View abstract.

Herbst RA, Wahl R, Frosch PJ. Specific IgE reactivity and identification of potential allergens in macadamia allergy. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2010;24(11):1361-3. View abstract.

Knight TE, Hausen BM. Dermatitis in a nutshell: occupational exposure to Macadamia integrifolia. J Am Acad Dermatol 1996;35:482-4.

Lerch M, Egger C, Bircher AJ. Allergic reactions to macadamia nut. Allergy 2005;60:130-1.

Pallares DE. Allergy to macadamia nut. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2000;85:385-6. View abstract.

Polk BI, Dinakarpandian D, Nanda M, Barnes C, Dinakar C. Association of tree nut and coconut sensitizations. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2016;117(4):412-416. View abstract.

Randhawa I, Morphew T, Marsteller NL. Correlation of negative skin-prick test results for tree nuts and successful tree nut challenges among children with peanut allergy. Allergy Asthma Proc. 2018;39(6):456-460. View abstract.

Teuber SS, Brown RL, Haapanen LA. Allergenicity of gourmet nut oils processed by different methods. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1997;99:502-7. View abstract.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

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