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This page/column contains information which may be of interest to consumers. The information is based on articles which appear in Australian Prescriber. As Australian Prescriber is written for health professionals, you should discuss any issues raised by this page/column with your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to give a more detailed answer to your questions by reading the main article.
Australian Prescriber is unable to comment on individual cases or give second opinions.
Australian Prescriber Vol. 32 No. 5 2009
Seafood allergy and iodine
Some people have an allergic reaction from eating seafood (fish or shellfish). A person might be able to eat some types of fish but not others.
The reaction may be itching or a rash, but it can cause swelling of the face and neck. In severe cases this swelling can block the person's windpipe and cause a collapse. This is an emergency called anaphylaxis.
The cause of seafood allergy is the proteins in the seafood. Some people think they are allergic to iodine, but this is not the case.
Some X-rays need the patient to have an injection of dye to make the picture clearer. The dye may contain iodine. This may concern people with a seafood allergy, but as iodine does not cause their allergy, having the dye is not usually a problem. It is important, however, to tell the person doing the X-ray about allergies and any reactions which have occurred in the past.
