VIENNA, April 12 (Xinhua) -- A protein group has been identified as an "allergy multiplier" that causes food allergy, a symptom that could also accompany other allergies and produce serious consequences, Austrian researchers said Tuesday.

The so-called non-specific lipid transfer proteins (nsLTP) are believed to be the causes of food allergy, a research team from the Medical University of Vienna said in a new report.

These plant allergens are found not only in many fruits and vegetables, but also in cereals and some types of pollen. Due to their compact structures, they are not degraded in the gastrointestinal tract and can trigger immune reactions that cause severe allergic symptoms, said the report.

The researchers believe that with nsLTP identified as an " allergy multiplier," diagnostic and treatment procedures could be adapted and improved.