Fish oil is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and fish oil supplements provide several health benefits. But, some people may be allergic to fish oil. Fish oil allergy is caused due the fish proteins present in the fish oil supplements.
Fish oil allergy is seen if the individual is having fish allergies. Hence, if you have fish allergies, you must be careful while taking fish oil supplements.
What Causes Fish Oil Allergy?
Fish oil allergy is caused when the immune system mistakenly identifies the fish proteins (present in the fish oil) as harmful and reacts against it. This results in fish oil allergy symtoms such as rashes, diarrhea, hives, fatigue and nausea etc.
How To Prevent Fish Oil Allergy?
Although fish oil does not contain fish proteins, in some cases, some supplements are contaminated with fish proteins. Hence, always prefer high quality fish oil which purified well. High quality fish oils are more likely to be free of fish proteins which cause allergies.
If you have fish oil allergy, you can also switch to other sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Vegetable oils of walnut, rapeseed, flaxseed, linseed also contain omega-3 fatty acids and are a good option for those with allergies.
Fish Oil Allergy Test:
If you suspect you have fish oil allergies, do consult your allergist. He/she might conduct a skin allergy test to determine fish oill allergy. This test involves placing a small amount of fish oil on the skin to see for signs of irritation. A raised bump or rash would indicate fish oil allergy.
Several studies on fish oil have shown that fish oil allergy produces minor allergic reactions such as rash or sometimes diarrhea. If you are allergic to fish oil, try switching to a high quality oil. If this does not work, going for vegetable sources of omega-3 fatty acids is recommended.
