Food from the ocean such as shellfish and edible seaweed contains varying amounts of iodine. Some people may have an allergy to shellfish or seaweed, but no documentation exists to support the iodine content in food as an allergen, says Phil Lieberman, M.D., from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. However, if you have an allergy to shellfish or seaweed, or previous sensitivity to iodine, tell your doctor before taking medical tests with contrast dye either orally or intravenously.
Radioactive Iodine Uptake
Radioactive iodine uptake is a test to determine how well or how poorly your thyroid functions. To take the test you swallow liquid or a capsule containing radioactive iodine. If you have an allergy to iodine or shellfish, tell your doctor. These types of allergies may or may not preclude you from having the test.
Radio Contrast Agents
A history of iodine sensitivity or an allergy to seafood does not increase your risk of an allergic reaction to radio contrast agents, according to a literature review from the University of Maryland School of Medicine and published in the November 2010 issue of the “Journal of Emergency Medicine.” The researchers found the risk of reaction to radio contrast agents in the general population ranges between 0.2 and 17 percent. Severe reactions occur at a rate of 0.02 to 0.5 percent irrespective of a patient’s history of allergy to iodine or shellfish. Additionally, the researchers state in their conclusion that “Iodine is not an allergen.”
CT Scan
A CT scan is a noninvasive X-ray imaging procedure used to view cross sections of the body. After ingesting contrast dye, you lay still on a hard table as you go into a cocoonlike space inside the X-ray machine, or the X-ray machine takes a pass over you. The type of contrast dye most commonly injected in the veins contains iodine. Information from MedlinePlus warns if you have a history of iodine sensitivity you may have a reaction including vomiting, sneezing or hives. Drinking extra fluids can help flush the iodine from your body. Your health care professional may recommend not eating or drinking for four to six hours before the CT scan.
Amiodarone Hydrochloride
Amiodarone hydrochloride is a drug used to regulate the heartbeat and by weight contains 37.3 percent iodine. This drug is contraindicated for anyone with iodine sensitivity. Amiodarone hydrochloride is slowly absorbed into your body, but taking it with food increases the rate of absorption, according to information from Drugs.com. Consult your doctor for advice on taking amiodarone hydrochloride with meals.
References
- Medline Plus; Radioactive Iodine Uptake; April 2010
- “Journal of Emergency Medicine”; The Relationship of Radiocontrast, Iodine, and Seafood Allergies: A Medical Myth Exposed; E. Schabelman, et al.; November 2010
- Drugs.com; Amiodarone
- American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology; Ask the Expert: Food Allergy to Iodine?; Phil Lieberman
- Medline Plus; CT Scan; November 2010
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