Although there is no conclusive data that supports that someone with a shellfish allergy will have an allergic reaction by taking fish oil supplements, it is advised by MedlinePlus to avoid taking fish oil supplements. There is a chance that you might be allergic to fish oil supplements if you have a shellfish allergy. If you want to take fish oil supplements, you need to talk with your allergist before including the supplement into your diet. A shellfish allergy can cause anaphylaxis, a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction. Use caution when taking fish oil supplements if you're allergic to shellfish.
Shellfish Allergy
A shellfish allergy is considered one of the most common food allergies. According to the Cleveland Clinic, shellfish allergies typically develop later in childhood and are likely to remain for a lifetime. If you're allergic to shellfish, your immune system overreacts to the proteins found in the flesh of the shellfish. MayoClinic.com states that if you're allergic to one type of shellfish, you may or may not be allergic to other types of shellfish.
Fish Oil Consideration
Fish oil does not contain the same proteins that are found in shellfish, but there is no way of knowing if the fish oil could be cross-contaminated or contain molecules that are a by-product of the proteins found in fish, according to MedlinePlus. Your doctor is the best person to discuss your options with when it comes to fish oil supplements. If you want to take this supplement for increased omega-3 intake, you can use fish-free, vegetable and grain-based omega-3 oil supplements.
Symptoms
If you take a fish oil supplement and you are unaware that you're allergic to shellfish, you may develop common symptoms related to shellfish allergy. These may include: fainting, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, itching, swelling, hives, eczema, chest tightness, difficulty breathing and abdominal pain. Symptoms may be severe and need to be reported to your doctor at their first sign. Alarming symptoms that affect your entire body include: facial swelling, lightheadedness, the inability to breathe, a drop in blood pressure, mental confusion and the feeling of your throat closing, according to MayoClinic.com.
Treatment
If you experience an allergic reaction after taking fish oil supplements, call your doctor. Avoidance is the most effective treatment for a shellfish allergy, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Minor symptoms may be treated with an oral antihistamine or topical hydrocortisone. If a severe allergic reaction occurs, you may need an injection of epinephrine. Call 911 or visit the emergency room for further medical attention.
Member Comments