Febrary 1st 2012

Good Day,

Today I came across  your sight and became very interested -- this is the only website solely dedicated to citric acid allergies that I have come across. I have a citric acid intolerance - I say intolerance because I've never been officially diagnosed for the allergy. I just had a couple things I wanted to share with you.

When exposed to citric acid I experience all the same things stated on your website. In doing my own research I have recently I started taking L-Lysine 1000mg tablets every day (Essentially L-lysine is necessary for the production of antibodies, hormones and enzymes. L-lysine is the main amino acid that drives the citric acid cycle into working properly -- those of us with the allergy lack this amino acid). I take 2 l-lysine pills if I am exposed, but they have significantly reduced my stomach pains when exposed to citric acid.

I also started taking B5 -- Pantothenic  Acid, this has almost completely gotten rid of any redness or acne associated with citric acid as well. I am aware this information would be useless to someone who has a significant allergy such as one that would put you into anaphylactic shock; however, I think this is great information for those of us who don't react on a life-threatening scale. I know taking L-Lysine and B5 everyday has improved my quality of living -- I can go out to eat now and not have to worry about accidently ingesting something with citric acid in it.

Also, some suggestions for your website -- since you are the only website dedicated to citric acid allergy.

It would be wonderful if there was a board those with citric acid allergies could post and share on. Being such a rare allergy it's hard to find others to talk to about it who truly understands. Also I think it would be cool if you had a section where people could share recipes that are citric acid free - it's extremely difficult to cook great tasting food when you are so limited.

And maybe a list of foods that are safe/ unsafe to eat. Many people who have the allergy are still ignorant of how many different kinds of foods have a citric acid content -- potatoes, beans, and soy  for an example. Something like you have for your beauty section only for food would be extremely helpful. It could also list certain brands that are citric acid free.

Anyway, thank you for your time and reading my email. Please feel free to contact me for any reason.

Kind Regards,

Nikki Engeran