A Somerset runner’s routine jog turned into a life-threatening ordeal when a snack eaten before exercise triggered a rare allergy. Dea Gagoshidze, 29, from Taunton, was running on a track with friends in August 2025 when she suddenly noticed her eyes and lips swelling. Initially dismissing the symptoms as hay fever, she sought antihistamines from reception.
However, her condition rapidly worsened. Dea began struggling to breathe and observed swelling in her hands. She collapsed, drifting in and out of consciousness before paramedics arrived. They administered an adrenaline injection and oxygen, which stabilised her condition.
Following hospital tests in September, Dea was diagnosed with Food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis (FDEIA), a rare allergy where symptoms are triggered by exercising after consuming certain foods. In her case, the triggers are lipid transfer proteins (LTPs), found in many fruits, vegetables, nuts, cereals and grains. This means she cannot eat these foods prior to exercising without risking anaphylactic shock.
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Dea explained, “I had eaten a wrap containing paneer, vegetables and apples earlier that day. Since apples and many vegetables are particularly high in LTPs, they likely contributed to the reaction.”
The allergy has necessitated a significant change in her exercise routine. To minimise risks, Dea now runs on an empty stomach in the mornings, avoiding any food containing LTPs beforehand. Despite this, she successfully completed the Paris marathon in April 2026.
She shared her experience to raise awareness of this little-known condition. “It was very confusing at first because I exercise regularly and had no known allergies. The idea that exercise itself, combined with certain foods, could cause such a severe reaction seemed unbelievable. But it’s essential to understand that allergies can develop at any time,” she said.
Dea emphasises the importance of recognising symptoms and planning meals and workouts carefully. “I can eat LTP-containing foods or exercise independently without issue, but the combination triggers anaphylaxis. Even a small amount before running, like a sip of a smoothie, can be dangerous.”
Her story serves as a reminder of the complexities of allergies and the need for vigilance, particularly for active individuals who may be unaware they have developed such conditions.