Understanding Alpha-Gal Syndrome

Susan Smith Kline

Have you ever heard of a tick bite causing a food allergy? It may sound strange, but that’s exactly what occurs with Alpha-Gal Syndrome.

Alpha-Gal (short for galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose) is a sugar molecule found in most mammals, but not in humans, apes, or monkeys. This sugar is present in red meat such as beef, pork, and lamb, as well as in other products made from mammals, including gelatin, dairy, and some medicines.

Alpha-Gal Syndrome is a food allergy that arises when your body reacts to Alpha-Gal. Interestingly, this allergy typically develops after a bite from a lone star tick, which is commonly found in the southeastern and eastern United States.

Here’s how it works:

1. A lone star tick bites a person and transmits Alpha-Gal into their body.

2. The person’s immune system mistakenly identifies Alpha-Gal as harmful.

3. Later, when the person consumes red meat or uses products containing Alpha-Gal, their body triggers an allergic reaction.

The allergic reaction does not occur immediately; it often begins 3 to 6 hours after consuming red meat, which makes it difficult to connect the dots.

Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can even be life-threatening. Common symptoms include hives, swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, and in some cases, anaphylaxis.

Entering a restaurant that is frying burgers can turn into a life-threatening situation for those with Alpha-Gal Syndrome. The complexity of this condition means reactions to even the smallest trace of Alpha-Gal can vary widely, from anaphylaxis to heartburn. Other symptoms may include dizziness, brain fog, confusion, a feeling of impending doom, shortness of breath, headaches, fluctuations in blood pressure, heat intolerance, cold intolerance, rapid heart rate, heart palpitations, skin changes, hair loss, itchiness, numbness, blurry vision, slurred speech, heightened emotions, mood swings, stomach pain, chest pain, and back pain.

To manage an Alpha-Gal allergy, individuals should avoid red meat, products made from mammalian meat. Some individuals may also need to avoid dairy products like milk and cheese.

Specific Foods to Avoid:

Red meat: Beef, pork, lamb, venison, rabbit, buffalo, and other mammalian meats.

Organ meats: Livers, hearts, brains, and intestines often contain higher amounts of Alpha-Gal.

Dairy products: Some people may react to dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt, and butter.

Gelatin: Often derived from the collagen in mammal bones, gelatin can be found in various foods like gummy candies, marshmallows, and certain desserts.

Products made with mammalian fat: Lard, tallow, and suet should be avoided.

Meat broth, bouillon, stock, and gravy: These may contain meat-derived ingredients and Alpha-Gal.

Carrageenan: A seaweed derivative used as a thickener in some dairy and vegan products.

Foods that are generally safe:

Poultry: Chicken, turkey, and other fowl are safe for individuals with Alpha-Gal allergy.

Fish and seafood: Fish, shellfish, and other seafood products are typically safe.

Vegetables, fruits, and grains: These foods generally do not contain Alpha-Gal.

Be aware of the potential for cross-contamination when eating out or preparing food, as shared equipment or utensils can transfer alpha-gal. Always check ingredient labels for meat-derived ingredients or gelatin, as some medications may also contain gelatin or other ingredients sourced from mammals.

It is a common misconception that individuals with Alpha-Gal Syndrome simply have an allergy to red meat. However, this is not entirely accurate. Alpha-Gal is not a traditional “red meat allergy”; rather, it is an allergy to a sugar called alpha-gal, not the protein found in the meat.

To prevent Alpha-Gal, it is crucial to avoid tick bites, particularly from the Lone Star tick, which is much easier said than done.

Diagnosis typically involves allergy tests, including skin prick tests and blood tests, to detect antibodies specific to alpha-gal.

Alpha-gal syndrome is not necessarily a lifelong condition, although it can be for some individuals. While there is no cure, many people find that their symptoms decrease over time, and some may even be able to reintroduce foods containing alpha-gal after a period of avoiding them. A critical factor in managing the syndrome is to avoid further tick bites that can transmit the alpha-gal sugar molecule.