Foreword

Hypersensitivity to vitamins is rare - at least I have seen only very few cases in my life as an allergist (or did I miss some?). But now Gianfranco Calogiuri even writes a book about hypersensitivity to vitamins! It contains 13 chapters – one for each vitamin and two chapters on general and unusual aspects of hypersensitivity to vitamins. Isn`t this too much, a whole books on hypersensitivity reactions to vitamins? But as Gianfranco approached me, I was immediately fascinated and agreed to write a foreword: not because I am specialist on hypersensitivity reactions to vitamins, but because I am convinced that we, as medical community, can be happy to have someone ready to devote so much energy, passion and knowledge into a special topic. Such an enthusiasm can be immensely helpful for the medical community, as most of us do not have time or interest to become so specialised in such a topic, which we encounter only rarely, an where we need help, if we encounter it.

The book gives a comprehensive overview on function of each vitamin, its use, metabolism, pharmacological preparations, way of application and structure followed by Type I and/or Type IV hypersensitivity reactions. There are many interesting case descriptions included and referenced, and they are summarized in enough detail to allow comparison to the own case, which was probably the reason why ones looks for advise in this book. Of great help are the precise description which preparation was involved and how the hypersensitivity reaction was diagnosed. Since some vitamins are essential, desensitisations are important. The book provides much information on possible procedures and their outcome.

It is puzzling that hypersensitivity to vitamins exist at all, as we are consuming them in many foods. Various case reports illustrate quite clearly, that a slight modification of the usual substance or an abnormal way of uptake (e.g. parental) can be relevant. Indeed, quite many cases illustrate that the vitamin is tolerated, if applied orally, but is damaging if applied parenterally. All this information can be extremely helpful in the own case and how to help the patient.

I am happy and thankful that Gianfranco made this effort to collect all this information and to put it together. Writing a book is still the best way to spread the news to the medical community. It is a critical, highly informative review of all aspects of hypersensitivity to vitamins, and it will be the standard for this topic.

I hope the book finds its readers, and that we reader will find what he/she is looking for.

Werner J Pichler, Bern, February 2021.