Can people with fish allergies eat sardines?
Quick Answer
No
People with fish allergies are generally advised to avoid all types of fish, including sardines, as they can trigger an allergic reaction.
What Is It?
Fish allergy is an immune system response that occurs soon after eating fish or fish-based products. Sardines are a type of fish and can therefore cause an allergic reaction in people with fish allergies.
How to Tell
Symptoms of a fish allergy can include hives, nausea, headache, anaphylaxis, and difficulty breathing.
Why It Can Be Risky
The risks of consuming sardines for people with fish allergies include severe allergic reactions that could be life-threatening.
- Anaphylaxis: A severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur within seconds or minutes of exposure to something you’re allergic to, such as sardines.
- Asthma symptoms: In some people, fish allergy can trigger asthma symptoms.
Safe Alternatives
People with fish allergies can opt for other sources of protein such as chicken, beef, or plant-based proteins like lentils and chickpeas.