Allergic to Fish? Here Are the

Supplements for Essential Nutrients John Warner once said, “In this world, about 20% of the population believe themselves to have a food

allergy, and only about 5% actually do.”

when it comes to allergies, we all have a different perspective towards it. While some think that it is

the condition that will pass with the time other grips on it as a fear for the whole life. Whatever the

perceptions are, having allergies can lead to life-threatening reactions.

Fish allergy is one of the most common food allergies. Around 2.3 percent of people in the United

States are allergic to fish, and shellfish. The problem is fishes are the rich source of Omega-3 fatty

acids that are counted as essential nutrition for the human body. As our body cannot produce it on its

own it depends on the external sources to fulfil the requirement.

The link between fish oil and fish allergy

People who suffer from a fish allergy often suffer from omega-3 deficiency which can lead to various

skin, heart, and brain-related issues in the body. As they cannot consume the fish, they look for the

replacement products like fish oil pills, but can they incorporate fish oil into their daily life without

triggering any allergic reaction? Maybe or Maybe not.

Generally, the fish allergy is triggered by a protein in the fish muscle called ‘parvalbumin’, and there

are fair chances that this protein may be found in many fish oil products.

Survey on the fish oil supplement

Although the fish allergies are rare, they have reported.

American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) recommends people with this rare allergy

to visit the dermatologist, bring the fish oil supplement they are considering to consume, and get it

tested to find out if they have any allergic reaction to the specific supplement.

The ACAAI also found that people who are allergic to fish have a low risk of having the same allergic

reaction from the fish oil. However, the study included only two brands of fish oil, and a small group

of people participated in this study. Therefore, newer studies are required to determine the fish oil

can or cannot cause an allergic reaction.

Common symptoms of fish oil allergy

An allergic reaction to fish and shellfish often begins in childhood and lasts for life. About 40% of the

people with fish allergy have experienced their first allergic reaction as the adult. Some of the most

common symptoms of fish or fish oil allergy are as given below:

Wheezing

Itching

Nasal congestion

Headaches

Rash

Swelling of the tongue, lips, and face

Swelling in hands, and other parts of the body

Diarrhea or stomach pain

Although the fish oil contains a small or no amount of parvalbumin the allergic reaction to it can be

the same as fish or shellfish allergy. Among all the common symptoms there is a serious reaction

known as anaphylaxis that can be life-threatening.

The similarities between side effects of fish oil, and

symptoms of fish allergy

If you don’t have an allergic reaction to fish or shellfish then, there are less likely chances that you will

react to fish oil. Some people have side effects of omega-3 fish oil, but that doesn’t mean that they

are allergic to fish. The thing is there are similarities between the side effects of fish oil, and symptoms

of fish allergy as both of them include:

Diarrhea

Nausea

Bloating

Upset stomach

Acid reflux

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms after taking fish oil supplements then, consult with

the doctor, and find out whether you are having the symptoms of allergic reaction or symptoms of

side-effects.

Other fish-free sources of omega-3

The reason why fish or fish oil is recommended as a health supplement is because they are rich with

Omega-3 fatty acids with EPA, and DHA. These are good fats your body needs to function properly.

However, just because you are allergic to fish doesn’t mean that you cannot obtain the omega-3.

There are other fish-free sources that you can consume to fulfill the body requirements including;

Chia seeds

Soybeans

Walnuts

Hempseeds

Flaxseeds

Spinach

Although the fish allergy is very rare, and you can still have the side effects of fish oil without having

an allergy, it is suggested to consult with your doctor before exposing yourself to any supplement.

Moreover, if you want to learn more about the fish oil supplement then, feel free to pay a visit to

Healthy Naturals website today.