Relationship Between Seafood Allergy and Autism

Understanding Seafood Allergies

IgE-mediated reactions to seafood typically cause immediate symptoms occurring within minutes to a few hours after ingestion 1
Seafood allergy prevalence rates in the United States are significantly lower for children than adults: fish allergy (0.2% for children vs. 0.5% for adults), crustacean shellfish allergy (0.5% vs. 2.5%), and any seafood allergy (0.6% vs. 2.8%) 2
Women have higher prevalence rates than men for crustacean shellfish allergy (2.6% vs. 1.5%) and fish allergy (0.6% vs. 0.2%) 2

The American College of Radiology (ACR) and American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) clearly state that seafood allergies are not related to iodine content 3, 4
IgE-mediated reactions to crustaceans are related to tropomyosin proteins, not iodine 4, 6
Iodine is not an allergen - it's a naturally occurring element to which the entire population is universally exposed 4

The available medical guidelines and research do not establish any direct relationship between seafood allergies or high IgE levels and autism spectrum disorders 2, 7, 8
Food allergies can present with a variety of symptoms affecting the skin, respiratory tract, and gastrointestinal system, but neurological manifestations as primary symptoms are not typically described in the major food allergy guidelines 7, 8, 9
While some patients with food allergies may experience behavioral changes during allergic reactions, there is no evidence suggesting that seafood allergies or high IgE levels cause or worsen autism 2, 7, 8