August 2007

Question: 

Dear Janice & Liz,

I am allergic to crab, lobster and shrimp. When I eat any of these
items my throat and tongue swell up. No one has ever told me what is in
these three items that is causing the reactions. Several people have
guessed that it is Iodine, but I eat iodized salt so I don't think that
would be it. Do you know what the common allergen is in crustaceans?

Thank you,
Dianne M.

Answer: 

Hi Dianne:
The allergen present in shellfish is not iodine but
rather the protein in the flesh of the fish. Shellfish includes animals
with shells such as clams, lobster, and shrimp along with octopus and
squid. Each type of shellfish contains a unique set of proteins which
may cause allergic reactions in some people. It's possible you may only
be allergic to certain kinds of shellfish. Your doctor or allergist
should be able to tell you exactly which shellfish causes your
allergies. Worth noting:  Even if you’re allergic to shellfish, you may
not be allergic to clams, scallops, mussels and other mollusks, so it's
worth getting tested.

Ask a dietition

  • I am finally convinced that the cholesterol found in shrimp isn’t going to raise my blood cholesterol and may actually decrease my risk of heart disease.  Are there any other nutrients found in shrimp that can make me healthier?
    Happy Holidays!
    Ralph C.

    FIND OUT THE ANSWER

We already know that shrimp is low in fat and calories. But if you are concerned about cholesterol, there is good news. You do not have to give up shrimp! Research shows and dietitians concur that the high percentage of "good fats" in shrimp reduces the impact of cholesterol. So enjoy shrimp as part of a balanced - and delicious - diet.