Fish allergy is more widespread in countries with high fish consumption such as Finland, Iceland, Sweden, Italy and Spain. And for good reason, we know that hyper-consumption of a product can trigger a food allergy.
It would concern on average 1% of the European population.
Currently, there is no no effective treatment. The only solution is to avoid eating fish. In the event of a reaction, emergency treatment as a last resort. Fish allergy can be life-threatening.
Despite everything, some health professionals recommend canned fish to allow people with allergies to benefit from their benefits while having a balanced diet.
A news study published in the scientific journal Allergy however, calls for caution: according to the results, People with fish allergies should not eat canned fish. Thinking that they can consume it without risk can turn out to be dangerous.
“Contrary to popular belief, although allergens were reduced in canned fish, they were not destroyed”
One of the study’s authors, Singapore-based Dr Thimo Ruethers, pointed out that canned fish is subject to extreme heat during processing. Which explains why some people allergic to fish are able to eat it safely.
“ However, prior to this study, the safety of consuming canned fish has not been evaluated with the required comprehensive immunological and molecular analyzes “, he added.
To carry out their study, the scientists tested 17 canned fish available in Australia, from 9 different manufacturers.
“ Contrary to popular belief, we found that although allergens (allergy-triggering fish proteins) were significantly reduced in canned fish, they were not destroyed during the heating process. Canned product remains dangerous for some people with fish allergies “, explained Dr. Ruethers.
“Tuna seems safer than canned salmon or sardines”
“ It is also important to note that every canned product is different: the tuna seems safer than canned salmon or sardines “, says Dr. Ruethers.
He adds that the consumption of canned fish by patients allergic to fish requires a careful individual assessment.
“ Based on our results, we recommend that the immunogenicity of canned fish be studied in more detail, with a view to developing diagnostic tools to select fish allergic patients who can safely tolerate these products. », conclude the researchers.
