Eating sesame has increased sharply through greater consciousness about a healthy diet. Sesame is also often used in a vegetarian diet. Sesame can also be hidden behind the terms sesame seed or sesame kernel. It provides a great deal of calcium, magnesium, copper, biotin, vegetable fats and high-quality protein. Sesame has a light nutty taste.

A sesame allergy mainly occurs in adults and then lasts throughout life. Sesame seeds contain various allergens and problems can arise after ingesting even the tiniest amounts. But a patient's allergic reaction depends on the degree of their individual sensitivity and not on the amount eaten. Some people with allergies are extremely sensitive and others only react when they eat a large amount of sesame.

Diagnosing a sesame allergy is more difficult than with peanuts and nuts. Medical history and dietary and symptom logs can provide additional clues. An oral provocation is no longer necessary, if medical history, log, skin examinations and blood tests are definite, because the allergic reactions precipitated can be very severe.

For dietetic treatment, help should be sought from a doctor or a nutritionist specialising in allergies.