Q. My husband’s internist suggested glucosamine and chondroitin for mild arthritis. My husband’s medical records state that he is allergic to shellfish.
I guess his doctor did not know ground shellfish is a component of many glucosamine-chondroitin supplements. After several days on the supplement, my husband was rushed to the hospital with symptoms of a severe allergic reaction. After three days of testing, they couldn’t find a cause. Then I read the ingredients listed on the glucosamine label and discovered the shellfish.
He stopped taking the supplement and has not had another episode. Perhaps his story will help prevent a similar occurrence in others with shellfish allergy.
A. Glucosamine is often made from the shells of crab, shrimp and lobster. Most people who are allergic to shellfish are sensitive to a protein in the muscle rather than the shell. But rather than risk a potentially life-threatening reaction, people who are allergic to shellfish should avoid glucosamine or look for Kosher vegetarian glucosamine called Regenasure.
