You eat something and suddenly begin to feel short of breath. Your face swells, and you become nauseated. These are the scary symptoms of an allergic reaction. Allergies can be a minor annoyance -- or they can be life threatening.
About Allergic Reactions
An allergic reaction is the result of exposure to a substance called an allergen. Reactions can occur from exposure to the skin, eyes, gastrointestinal tract or inhalation of an allergen. Allergic reactions are actually a protective mechanism controlled by your body's immune system. The body identifies a food, pollen or other substance as an invader and immediately goes into defensive mode by releasing antibodies called Immunoglobulin E, or IgE. It is the release of IgE which causes symptoms such as runny nose, itching, hives or wheezing. IgE is very specific to a particular allergen --- for example, if you are allergic to cat dander, you will not react to dogs unless you also have an IgE for dogs. An allergy to walnuts does mean you are allergic to all nuts. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, approximately 50 million Americans suffer from some form of allergies. Allergies tend to run in families, and a family history is the primary indicator of whether you will be allergic to a particular substance.
Iodine Allergy?
According to Dr. Andre Caron of the Association of Allergists and Immunologists of Quebec, iodine is not a substance that causes allergy. This can be confusing, because people will speak of an allergy to iodine when what they really mean is they are allergic to shellfish proteins such as parvalbumin or tropomyosin, that do not contain iodine. People will also say they are allergic to the iodine dye used in radiology procedures. But iodine is an essential element for life, and an allergy to iodine is not compatible with living. Reactions to the dye used in radiology procedures can be very serious, but they are reactions to the radiocontrast materials, not the iodine in the dye.
High Iodine Foods
High iodine foods are numerous. The Thyroid Cancer Survivor's Association notes that iodized salt, sea foods, shellfish, seaweeds, dairy products, commercial dairy products, egg yolks and some vitamins or supplements usually contain more than 20 mcg or iodine per serving. There is no reason to limit those foods for fear of an allergic reaction, although they may be limited during treatment for thyroid cancer, which uses radioactive iodine.
Considerations and Warnings
To summarize, iodine allergy does not exist. If you are having a reaction to an iodine containing food such as shellfish, it's not the iodine. The reaction, however, can potentially be serious and even life-threatening, so you should seek medical help immediately for severe swelling, wheezing or shortness of breath. If you think you have allergies to a particular substance, you should discuss your concerns with a health care professional.
References
- American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology: Tips to Remember -- Allergic Reactions; 2010
- The Association of Allergists and Immunologists of Quebec; What is an "iodine allergy"?; André Caron, M.D. F.R.C.P.C.; 2011
- Thyroid Cancer Survivor's Association; Radioactive Iodine; The Low Iodine Diet; October 2010
- University of California at San Francisco; Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging; Iodine Allergy and Contrast Administration; 2011
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