Krill oil is a nutritional supplement commonly used to increase your daily intake of omega-3 fatty acids. Krill is a small, shrimp-like fish that should be avoided by someone with a fish allergy. If you've been diagnosed with a fish allergy, you need to talk with your doctor before using krill oil supplements. Seafood allergies are the most common cause of food related allergies in the United States, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Your physician can determine if krill oil is safe for you to use if you have a fish allergy.
Fish Allergy
Almost 2.3 percent of Americans have a diagnosed fish allergy, according to Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network. When you're allergic to fish, you may have an allergy to one type of fish, or to all seafood. Regardless of your previous diagnosis, even if you're only allergic to one type of fish, you are at greater risk of developing an allergy to other types of seafood. During an allergic reaction to fish, your immune system malfunctions and mistakes the proteins in the fish as a dangerous substance and begins to protect the body. LgE antibodies are created to fight off the fish proteins causing mast cells to create the histamine that leads to most allergy symptoms, according to MayoClinic.com.
Krill Oil Consideration
Most fish oil supplements do not contain the proteins from krill. Drugs.com recommends avoiding the use of any fish oil supplement if you have a fish allergy, even if you don't experience symptoms. There is a chance that by-products and remains of certain proteins may be present in the supplement and could trigger allergy symptoms. Krill oil supplements should only be taken under the direction of your doctor. If you're allergic to fish, you can use vegetable-based omega-3 supplements that are free of any animal by-product. Talk with your doctor about alternatives.
Symptoms
Symptoms from a fish allergy will develop within minutes after ingesting a fish product, such as krill oil. One of the first places symptoms appear is on the face and around the mouth. Many people develop tingling and swelling in the lips, tongue and throat. This may be a sign of anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction. Other symptoms that may develop, according to MayoClinic.com are: shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hives, skin itchiness, eczema, wheezing, coughing, a runny nose, nasal congestion and sneezing.
Warning
Drugs.com warns that the use of fish oil supplements can lead to a severe allergic reaction. If you become faint, your blood pressure drops, and your heart rate increases, you need to call 911 for emergency medical attention.
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