Sulfur vs. Sulfate Allergies: Understanding the Difference

Allergies are frightening, especially when medicines contain compounds that cause severe allergies. Variants of sulfur are some such allergens, but each type is different.

About Allergens

• An allergen is, at a basic level, any substance that causes an allergic reaction in an individual. The immune system typically sees the allergen as dangerous and thus attacks the material.

Sulfur Compounds

• There are various compounds related to sulfur, including sulfa, sulfates and sulfites.

Sulfur Allergens

• Sulfur compounds derive from sulfur, an essential element to life. No person is allergic to sulfur in its pure form, but some might be allergic to various forms of sulfur.

Sulfate Allergens

• Sulfate is known as glucosamine sulfate, an amino acid polymer combined with potassium or sodium. Since it is not an allergenic compound, it does not cause allergic reactions. But if prepared poorly, other allergens could have affected the polymer.

Sulfur Compound Allergens

• Many people are allergic to sulfa drugs, and the Food and Drug Administration estimates approximately 1 percent of the population is sensitive to sulfite.