RE: Unwarranted assumption about iodine in shellfish

["Michael P. Grissom" <mikeg@SLAC.Stanford.EDU>]

Before it dies,

The allergic reactions to shellfish are often (anyway) not
related to iodine content at all!  In fact, the major culprit,
I believe, is toxins produced by the dinoflagellates (marine
algae) that shellfish, as classic filter feeders, consume in
large numbers.  When the algae is in "bloom", historically
at certain times of the year (remember the "r" rule for eating
oysters), these toxins may be sufficiently concentrated in the
shellfish to be lethal to humans consuming them.  Don't eat
oysters during red tides!

A simpler test for iodine sensitivity would be to apply a small 
amount to a skin patch.  The question of iodine sensitivity,
by the way, is always asked of me upon blood donations since
iodine containing antiseptics/bacteriostats are normally used
to clean the venipuncture site prior to needle insertion.  If 
you are sensitive and didn't know it, you will discover from
the resulting rash/welt that indeed there is a problem!

May this topic now die a quiet death! |^>

S.,

MikeG.


At 03:28 PM 10/21/96 -0500, you wrote:
>
>Very interesting.  It may well be an unwarranted assumption, but I've always 
>heard (I don't have direct evidence) there is a substantial amount iodine in 
>shellfish.  It may also be supportive of the fact that there are significant 
>differences among individuals.  I don't have an answer at this point, but I 
>suggest that a person who is allergic to one or the other (and bee or wasp 
>stings) should be very careful, and keep the Benadryl handy.
>
>The usual disclaimers apply, unfortunately.
>
>Bill
>bills@deq.state.la.us

-----------------------
Michael P. Grissom
Special Assistant, SLAC
mikeg@slac.stanford.edu
Phone:  (415) 926-2346
Fax:    (415) 926-3030