Do Feijoas Have Any Side Effects? Exploring the Risks and Benefits

December 11, 2025 •

4 min read

Feijoas, also known as pineapple guavas, are generally considered safe for consumption and a healthy addition to most diets. Yet, some individuals may experience side effects, including gastrointestinal issues, allergic reactions, or mild interactions with certain medications, primarily stemming from excessive intake or a pre-existing sensitivity.

Quick Summary

This article examines the potential side effects and health risks associated with feijoa consumption, covering scenarios like allergic reactions and digestive sensitivity. It also discusses precautions, potential medication interactions, and highlights the nutritional benefits of the fruit to offer a balanced perspective on its place in a healthy diet.

Key Points

Digestive Issues: Overconsumption of feijoas can cause gastrointestinal discomfort due to their high dietary fiber content.
Allergic Reactions: Feijoa allergies are rare but possible, with some individuals experiencing symptoms related to Oral Allergy Syndrome, especially if sensitive to birch pollen or guava.
Blood Sugar Management: Those with diabetes should monitor their intake, as the natural sugars can affect blood glucose levels, though fiber helps mitigate rapid spikes.
Medication Interactions: Patients on specific medications, particularly for blood pressure or diabetes, should consult a doctor before consuming large quantities of feijoa.
Moderation is Key: To minimize risks and maximize nutritional benefits, feijoas should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Safety for Pets: Only the flesh of a feijoa is safe for dogs in small amounts; the skin, seeds, and fermented fallen fruit can be harmful.

Understanding the Most Common Feijoa Side Effects

While feijoas are nutritious and safe for most people, certain side effects can occur. The majority of these are related to individual sensitivity, overconsumption, or specific pre-existing health conditions. Being aware of these potential reactions is key to enjoying the fruit without issue.

Digestive Discomfort from Overconsumption

One of the most frequently reported side effects is gastrointestinal distress, such as bloating, gas, or diarrhea, which can arise from eating too many feijoas. This is often a result of the fruit's high dietary fiber content. While fiber is excellent for promoting healthy digestion and preventing constipation, an abrupt increase in intake can overload the digestive system. The seeds can also be hard to digest for some, further contributing to stomach upset.

Allergic Reactions and Sensitivities

Allergies to feijoas are uncommon but can happen, especially in individuals with related plant sensitivities. The feijoa is related to the guava, so people with a known guava allergy should exercise caution. Some individuals with Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS), particularly those allergic to birch pollen, might experience a cross-reaction when consuming feijoa. Symptoms of an allergic reaction or OAS can include itching, tingling, or swelling in the mouth or throat, a rash, or hives. In rare cases, severe reactions may occur. To minimize the risk of OAS symptoms, peeling or cooking the fruit can be effective.

Potential for Blood Sugar Fluctuations

Feijoas contain natural sugars, and excessive intake could cause blood sugar levels to spike. For most people, this is not a concern, especially given the fruit's high fiber content which helps regulate sugar absorption. However, those with diabetes or individuals taking medication to control blood sugar should be mindful of their portion sizes. The fruit has also been noted to potentially lower blood sugar levels, requiring caution for those on medication.

Comparison of Feijoa Consumption: Moderate vs. Excessive


Aspect	Moderate Consumption	Excessive Consumption
Nutritional Intake	Healthy boost of Vitamin C, fiber, and folate.	High intake of natural sugars and fiber, potentially unbalanced.
Digestive Impact	Aids digestion, prevents constipation.	Can cause bloating, gas, stomach discomfort, or diarrhea.
Blood Sugar	Fiber helps regulate blood sugar levels.	Possible blood sugar spike or fluctuations, especially in sensitive individuals.
Potential Risks	Very low risk for healthy individuals.	Increased risk of allergic reactions or digestive issues.
Overall Health	Supports immune function, contributes to a balanced diet.	Can lead to nutrient overloads, causing discomfort rather than benefit.

Important Considerations for Specific Populations

Feijoas During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Feijoas are generally considered safe and beneficial for pregnant women due to their high folate content, which is crucial for preventing neural tube defects. However, as with any food during pregnancy, moderation is key. Excessive intake could lead to digestive upset, and it is always best to consult a healthcare provider with any dietary concerns.

Interactions with Medications

While feijoa is not known for widespread medication interactions, some compounds could have effects, especially when concentrated in extracts. Preliminary studies on feijoa extracts have shown potent antimicrobial and antidepressant activities, suggesting potential interactions with related medications. However, the effect from eating whole fruit is likely minimal. Patients on medications for blood pressure, diabetes, or blood thinners should consult a doctor before significantly increasing feijoa intake, as some fruits can interact with these drugs.

Considerations for Pets

It is important to remember that human foods can have different effects on pets. While the flesh of a ripe feijoa is not toxic to dogs or cats in small quantities, the skin and seeds can be hard to digest and cause stomach upset. Fallen, fermented fruit can also be a risk for alcohol poisoning in pets. It is safest to only provide fresh flesh in moderation and avoid letting pets forage for fallen fruit.

The Verdict: How to Enjoy Feijoas Safely

The key to avoiding side effects from feijoas is moderation and awareness. For the majority of people, this delicious fruit is a healthy and safe addition to their diet. By starting with small servings, paying attention to your body's response, and heeding any pre-existing health conditions or sensitivities, you can enjoy all the benefits with minimal risk. If you have concerns about specific health issues, medication interactions, or allergic reactions, a consultation with a healthcare professional is always the best course of action. Feijoa's low-FODMAP status in small servings also makes it a potentially suitable option for individuals with IBS, provided they monitor their personal tolerance.

For more information on the wide range of health benefits associated with feijoas, including their antioxidant properties and high vitamin C content, see resources from reputable health organizations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, eating an excessive amount of feijoas can cause stomach issues such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea due to the fruit's high dietary fiber content.

While feijoa allergies are uncommon, they are possible, particularly in people with an existing allergy to guava or Oral Allergy Syndrome related to birch pollen.

Feijoa extracts have shown some medicinal properties in lab studies, but interactions from eating whole fruit are generally minimal. However, individuals on medication for blood sugar or blood thinners should consult a doctor before consuming large amounts.

Yes, feijoas are considered safe during pregnancy and are a good source of folate, which is vital for fetal development. As with any food, moderation is recommended.

Yes, both the skin and seeds are edible for humans. However, the skin can be bitter, and the seeds can be difficult to digest for some people, especially in large quantities.

Only the fresh flesh of a feijoa is safe for dogs in very small, moderate amounts. The skin and seeds should be avoided, and fallen, fermented fruit is toxic to dogs.

No, according to Monash University, a small 60-gram serving of feijoa is considered low FODMAP and is suitable for individuals with conditions like IBS.