Abalone

Abalone is a marine mollusk known for its beautiful shell and culinary value.  It is also increasingly included in assessments for food allergies and sensitivities, particularly those that assess for reactions to shellfish.  

Testing for abalone as part of a shellfish food allergy panel is crucial due to its potential to trigger severe allergic reactions in some individuals. Including abalone in allergy testing ensures comprehensive coverage for those sensitive to various types of shellfish, helping to pinpoint specific allergies and guide dietary choices effectively.

What is Abalone?

Description and Characteristics of Abalone

Abalone are marine mollusks, recognized for their ear-shaped shells, which are often iridescent on the inside and rough and dull on the outside. They belong to the family Haliotidae and are found in cool, coastal waters around the world. 

These creatures are known for their ability to cling tightly to rocky surfaces using a muscular foot. They feed on algae, playing a critical role in their marine ecosystems. 

Not just prized for their meat in culinary circles, abalones’ shells have also been used in jewelry and as decorative items, due to their striking colors and patterns.

Ecological and Biological Significance of Abalone

Abalone holds a key position in their ecosystems, largely due to their role in controlling algal populations and providing habitat for other marine species. Their health and abundance are indicators of the overall health of the marine environment. 

Moreover, abalone have unique biological features. They possess a respiratory system that is highly efficient in oxygen extraction, and their shell formation process is a subject of significant interest in biomaterial research. 

These biological characteristics not only make them important for ecological balance but also valuable in scientific studies, especially in understanding environmental impacts and stressors.

Historical and Current Uses in Research and Medicine

Historically, abalone have been used in various cultures for both food and ornamental purposes. In recent times, their value in scientific research has increased significantly. Scientists study abalone to learn about marine biology, genetics, and the effects of environmental changes on marine life. 

In medicine, research on abalone shell formation and its components has opened doors to exploring new materials for bone repair and prosthetics. 

Abalone’s response to environmental changes is also being investigated for potential applications in monitoring marine pollution and climate change impacts, demonstrating the wide range of uses for abalone in modern scientific endeavors.

Abalone in Food Sensitivity Testing

Food Allergy and Food Sensitivity Testing  [1., 2.]

Food allergy testing is a crucial tool for diagnosing allergies to foods like nuts, shellfish, dairy, and eggs, which at their most extreme can cause life-threatening anaphylactic responses.

These tests typically involve skin prick tests, where small amounts of allergens are placed on the skin to check for reactions, or blood tests, which measure the presence of allergen-specific IgE antibodies in the blood. 

These methods help identify specific foods that can trigger immune system responses, leading to symptoms that range from mild itching to severe anaphylaxis. Accurate diagnosis through these tests can be life-saving, guiding individuals in avoiding triggers and managing reactions effectively.

Food sensitivity testing, on the other hand, targets food-induced reactions that typically involve the immune system's IgG, IgA, or IgM antibodies, or other aspects of the immune system.

Elevated IgG antibodies against certain foods can cause a more broad symptom picture including constipation, loose stool, abdominal cramps, as well as systemic symptoms including aches and pains, brain fog, and excessive fatigue.

Commonly-occurring food sensitivity symptoms include:  [2.] 

Gastrointestinal symptoms: abdominal cramps, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation

Skin issues: urticaria (hives) and rashes

Neurological symptoms: headaches or migraines

Systemic effects: chronic fatigue and foggy thinking

Symptoms can appear hours to days after consuming the offending food and may be chronic or recurring.

Assessment of Shellfish Allergies and Sensitivities 

Shellfish allergies are among the most common food allergies, affecting both adults and children. They usually are lifelong and can trigger severe reactions, including anaphylaxis.  [1.] 

Unlike most food allergies, shellfish allergies are often first diagnosed in adulthood, and the reactions can occur even with minor exposure, such as inhaling cooking vapors or handling shellfish. 

Food sensitivities to shellfish, while less severe, can still cause significant discomfort, typically manifesting as digestive issues or skin irritation.

Laboratory Testing for Abalone Food Sensitivity

Increasingly, specialized laboratory companies are offering assessments for food sensitivities that may include IgE, IgG, IgA levels as well as other biomarkers including IgM antibodies and complement activation, which signals a general immune response by the innate immune system.  

Food sensitivity panels often test for a variety of different foods to broadly assess reactions to various foods.  

Laboratory Testing, Sample Type and Preparation 

Laboratory testing for food sensitivities is generally done via blood.  Often testing requires a venipuncture, although some companies offer food sensitivity testing via blood spot.  

Typically, no special preparation is required, although clinicians may ask patients to consume the foods in question prior to testing.  An exception to this is in the setting of concern for an anaphylactic response: individuals with a history of, or concern of, an anaphylaxis reaction should never consume the food in question. 

It is important to consult with the ordering physician for individualized instructions prior to testing.  

Order Food Sensitivity Panels

Click the links below to discover various food sensitivity panels offered.  To explore additional tests, click here. 

The IgG Food Allergy Panel by Genova Diagnostics

Basic Food Sensitivity Panel - 96 Foods by Ayumetrix

The 96 General Food Panel: IgA/IgG/IgG4 by US BioTek

The FIT 176 by KBMO Diagnostics