Cultures from around the world have long recognized alfalfa’s tremendous nutritional gifts. This small perennial, which happens to be a member of the pea family, is a rich source of vitamins A, D, E, C and K. It’s also a good source of some of the B vitamins and a good source of protein and many minerals. Unfortunately, those unassuming little alfalfa sprouts found on salad bars across North America have also been linked to a very serious medical condition known as systemic lupus erythematosus.
The first documented case of alfalfa-induced lupus occurred in a research volunteer who began displaying lupus-like symptoms after consuming alfalfa seeds in a study on alfalfa’s effect on cholesterol. For years, researchers had known that giving alfalfa products to monkeys could bring on autoimmune disorders but this was the first case of alfalfa-induced lupus confirmed in humans.
The main culprit seems to be a naturally-occuring amino acid known as L-canavanine. Found in many legumes, L-canavanine can negatively affect B-cell function in some people. One study, this one on mice, found that a full ten percent of animals showed potential for lupus after only a few weeks on an L-canavanine-rich diet.
The Potential for Re-Lapse
The proven link between alfalfa products and lupus is especially troubling because alfalfa can not only cause lupus; it can also cause a re-lapse in cases where the disease has become dormant. This means that lupus patients have to be especially vigilent when it come to managing their conditions.
Finding Alfalfa in Supplements You May Already Be Taking
Though the scientific proof on alfalfa remains sparce, alfalfa is a folk remedy for disorders like anemia, type 2 diabetes and indigestion. Additionally, alfalfa is often used to stimulate breast milk production and to treat a number of premenstrual symtoms.
This means that alfalfa may be in natural herbal supplements you may already be taking. To find alfalfa on your supplement’s label look for its botanical nomenclature. The most common form of alfalfa used in herbal medicine is Medicago sativa.
The Bottom Line on Lupus & Alfalfa
For most people, alfalfa sprouts are nothing more than a nutritious green added to salads and sandwiches. But for a few, alfalfa can be potentially dangerous. Are you one of them? Only your doctor is qualified to give you medical advice. If you have any questions about your risk of lupus or want to know if you’re one of the people who should avoid foods rich in L-canavanine, talk to a qualified medical professional for the advice that’s right for you.
References:
Akaogi, J., Barker, T., Kuroda, Y., Nacionales, D., Yamasaki, Y., Stevens, B., et al. (2006). Role of non-protein amino acid L-canavanine in autoimmunity.
Prete, P. (1985). Effects of L-canavanine on immune function in normal and autoimmune mice: disordered B-cell function by a dietary amino acid in the immunoregulation of autoimmune disease.nutritious
