Uni creates 'fish allergy ladder' system

Researchers at Chinese University's medical school have identified a "fish allergenicity ladder" system, an evidence-based, seafood avoidance for children with fish allergies.

Based on the study, some children are more tolerant to less allergenic fish, and doctors can suggest young patients build up tolerance based on a ladder system similar to patients who have milk and egg allergies. They can eventually consume foods of higher allergen quantities based on how allergic they are to the types of fish.

The system is based on a clinical tolerance pattern corresponding to ?-parvalbumin, a protein commonly found in the fish's flesh but levels vary based on the species.

Based on the ladder, fish-allergic individuals have a decreased tolerance of catfish and grass harps due to their high levels of parvalbumin. Parents should be careful giving groupers and herrings to allergic children, given they contain a medium amount of the protein. Studies also show an increase in tolerance among allergic patients towards salmon and tuna, which have the lowest parvalbumin.