The "Big Eight" Educational Series – Shellfish Allergy
The Allergy Free Shop exists to provide parents and caretakers with allergen-free foods and products for those with food allergies and sensitivities. We also strive to provide resources that help to provide guidance to those just beginning their education about specific food allergies affecting their children.
Just in time for New Year’s Eve celebrations, and also perhaps a large plate of cocktail shrimp, our next allergy profile is Shellfish.
Prevalence & Prognosis
Shellfish allergy is one of the most common food allergies. When referring to this allergy, "shellfish" refers to all marine animals with shells, such as clams, oysters, crabs, lobster and shrimp, as well as octopus and squid.
Those that have shellfish allergy may have an allergic reaction to only certain kinds of shellfish, or an allergy to ALL shellfish.
Shellfish allergy is different than many other food allergies because it occurs primarily in adults and older children, as opposed to infants/younger children. But it can appear at any age, and can be caused by foods that had been previously eaten without any problems. Many people who develop a reaction to shellfish allergens will not lose or "outgrow" the allergy later in life.
Avoiding Shellfish
Seafood allergies are usually treated with an exclusion diet and vigilant avoidance of foods that may be contaminated with shellfish or fish ingredients and/or oils. As with all food allergies, reading labels is a must!
Of course, any restaurant that serves or specializes in seafood should be approached very cautiously or avoided completely. Allergic individuals also need to be especially careful with fried foods. Many restaurants use the same oil to fry shrimp, chicken and French fries. Keep in mind that "imitation" shellfish may still actually contain allergens, as manufacturers often add small bits of real shellfish for flavoring. (Imitation shellfish is often sold for strictly financial reasons, not allergy-related ones.)
Another unique characteristic of shellfish allergy is that allergic reactions may result when the susceptible person is not even consuming the allergenic substance, but by exposure to vapors resulting from cooking of seafood or even preparation or handling.
Other products which often are comprised of shellfish are glucosamine and Omega 3 supplements. Allergy Free Shop offers a wide variety of foods and dietary supplements that are Shellfish Free. Some of our best sellers are the Hero Nutritional line of supplements such as Slice of Life Omega 369, and children’s Yummi Bears multivitamins.
Our goal is to provide you with a wide variety of allergy-free products for you and your children, a place where you can find EVERYTHING that you need in one place. And with ongoing vigilance, and armed with an understanding of your child’s or loved one’s food allergy, you CAN avoid exposure and reactions to Shellfish allergens!
Just in time for New Year’s Eve celebrations, and also perhaps a large plate of cocktail shrimp, our next allergy profile is Shellfish.
Prevalence & Prognosis
Shellfish allergy is one of the most common food allergies. When referring to this allergy, "shellfish" refers to all marine animals with shells, such as clams, oysters, crabs, lobster and shrimp, as well as octopus and squid.
Those that have shellfish allergy may have an allergic reaction to only certain kinds of shellfish, or an allergy to ALL shellfish.
Shellfish allergy is different than many other food allergies because it occurs primarily in adults and older children, as opposed to infants/younger children. But it can appear at any age, and can be caused by foods that had been previously eaten without any problems. Many people who develop a reaction to shellfish allergens will not lose or "outgrow" the allergy later in life.
Avoiding Shellfish
Seafood allergies are usually treated with an exclusion diet and vigilant avoidance of foods that may be contaminated with shellfish or fish ingredients and/or oils. As with all food allergies, reading labels is a must!
Of course, any restaurant that serves or specializes in seafood should be approached very cautiously or avoided completely. Allergic individuals also need to be especially careful with fried foods. Many restaurants use the same oil to fry shrimp, chicken and French fries. Keep in mind that "imitation" shellfish may still actually contain allergens, as manufacturers often add small bits of real shellfish for flavoring. (Imitation shellfish is often sold for strictly financial reasons, not allergy-related ones.)
Another unique characteristic of shellfish allergy is that allergic reactions may result when the susceptible person is not even consuming the allergenic substance, but by exposure to vapors resulting from cooking of seafood or even preparation or handling.
Other products which often are comprised of shellfish are glucosamine and Omega 3 supplements. Allergy Free Shop offers a wide variety of foods and dietary supplements that are Shellfish Free. Some of our best sellers are the Hero Nutritional line of supplements such as Slice of Life Omega 369, and children’s Yummi Bears multivitamins.
Our goal is to provide you with a wide variety of allergy-free products for you and your children, a place where you can find EVERYTHING that you need in one place. And with ongoing vigilance, and armed with an understanding of your child’s or loved one’s food allergy, you CAN avoid exposure and reactions to Shellfish allergens!
Labels: allergens, allergy free, big eight, food allergy, shellfish allergy
