For many people, nothing beats a juicy hamburger or steak on the grill However, if you develop an allergy to red meat, those classic barbecue foods may be off the table An increasing number of individuals are developing a meat allergy known as alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), which appears to be triggered by tick bites. Keep reading to learn more about this unexpected cause of beef intolerance.
What is Alpha-Gal Syndrome?
Alpha-gal syndrome is a severe allergy to galactose-alpha-13-galactose which is more commonly known as alpha-gal. This is a sugar molecule that is found in the cells of most mammals. When someone with AGS eats red meat or products derived from mammals, like dairy or gelatin, they can have an allergic reaction.
Reactions to alpha-gal can range from mild to life-threatening. Symptoms typically develop 3 to 6 hours after exposure unlike more common food allergies that cause reactions within minutes. The delayed response makes it challenging to connect the reaction to the food that was consumed.
Common signs of an alpha-gal reaction include:
- Hives or skin rash
- Stomach pain, heartburn, or diarrhea
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the lips, throat, or tongue
In severe cases, AGS can cause anaphylaxis, a systemic allergic response that can be fatal if not treated promptly with epinephrine.
How Are Tick Bites Connected to Alpha-Gal Syndrome?
Alpha-gal syndrome was first identified in 2009 when researchers discovered the link between tick bites and mammalian meat allergies. Since then, AGS has been increasingly studied to better understand the causes.
The leading theory is that bites from a specific type of tick, known as the Lone Star tick, triggers the development of an allergy to alpha-gal. The Lone Star tick is common in southeastern states but has expanded its territory into the Midwest and Northeast.
When the Lone Star tick bites someone, it introduces alpha-gal into the body. The immune system reacts to this foreign sugar molecule by generating antibodies against it. Then, when the person eats red meat containing alpha-gal, it provokes an allergic response mediated by those antibodies.
While the Lone Star tick is considered the main culprit, other tick species may also be able to cause AGS. More research is needed to confirm the exact mechanisms. What we do know is that AGS cases have risen dramatically in recent years as the Lone Star tick’s habitat has expanded.
Meat and Other Products to Avoid with Alpha-Gal Syndrome
Following an AGS diagnosis, avoiding mammalian meats and products containing alpha-gal is crucial to prevent reactions. Meats to eliminate from your diet include:
- Beef
- Pork
- Lamb
- Venison
- Other red meats
Poultry and fish do not contain alpha-gal and are safe to eat.
You may also need to avoid:
- Lard and rendered meats
- Gelatin
- Dairy products
- Certain medications and healthcare products containing alpha-gal
It’s important to discuss your diet in detail with your doctor or allergist to identify problematic foods and find safe substitutes. Carrying epinephrine if you have a history of anaphylaxis is also recommended.
Preventing Alpha-Gal Syndrome
Since tick bites seem to be the main route to developing AGS, prevention focuses heavily on avoiding ticks. If you live in an area where Lone Star ticks are common, be vigilant about the following precautions:
- Wear long sleeves and pants when going into wooded or grassy areas. Tuck pants into socks.
- Use insect repellent containing DEET on skin and clothes.
- Check your body thoroughly for ticks after being outdoors.
- Remove attached ticks promptly with tweezers.
There is currently no cure for alpha-gal syndrome, so the best protection is preventing those tick bites that could trigger it in the first place!
The Bottom Line
Alpha-gal syndrome is an emerging red meat allergy, likely caused by Lone Star tick bites. Cases are increasing as these ticks expand their habitat across the eastern and central U.S. Diagnosis involves blood testing for alpha-gal antibodies.
Treatment focuses on avoiding red meats, lard, gelatin, and dairy. Medications may be prescribed to manage reactions. While alpha-gal syndrome can’t be cured, you can reduce your risk by taking precautions against tick bites.
If you develop symptoms of a meat allergy, see an allergist to get tested. With the proper diagnosis and diet changes, those with AGS can still enjoy a wide variety of nutritious, tick-free foods.
What is alpha-gal syndrome (AGS)?
Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is a serious, potentially life-threatening allergic condition. AGS is also called alpha-gal allergy, red meat allergy, or tick bite meat allergy. AGS is not caused by an infection. AGS symptoms occur after people eat red meat or are exposed to other products containing alpha-gal.
A CDC report showed that between 2010 and 2022, more than 110,000 suspected cases of AGS were identified. Cases of AGS are not reported to the CDC on a national level, though, so no one knows how many cases there are in the US. Additional data and research are needed to understand how many people are affected by this condition.
What are the symptoms of AGS?
- AGS reactions can include: hives or an itchy rash; feeling sick or throwing up; having heartburn or indigestion; having diarrhea; coughing, shortness of breath, or trouble breathing; having a drop in blood pressure; having swollen lips, throat, tongue, or eyelids; feeling dizzy or faint; having severe stomach pain.
- Symptoms usually show up 2 to 6 hours after eating meat or dairy, or after being exposed to alpha-gal products, like medications coated in gelatin.
- AGS reactions can be different from person-to-person. They can range from mild to severe or even life-threatening. People who are experiencing anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening reaction affecting several organ systems, may need to see a doctor right away.
- Some people may not be allergic to alpha-gal every time they are exposed to it.
- If you think you might have AGS, you should see a doctor.
AGS can be severe, and even life-threatening. Seek immediate emergency care if you are having a severe allergic reaction.
Why Do I Feel Worse When Eating Red Meat?
FAQ
Why is my body suddenly rejecting beef?
Can you be intolerant to beef?
Why does beef upset my stomach?
How do you get rid of beef intolerance?
Can you be allergic to beef?
In exceptionally rare instances, the allergic reaction may extend to milk or dairy proteins and gelatin. At the same time, various studies have demonstrated that cooking meat properly or employing methods like freeze-drying can reduce the allergenic properties of beef. To confirm the diagnosis, your allergist may recommend a series of tests.
Why is meat unhealthy for you?
Meat is actually healthy. What can sometimes make its daily consumption inadvisable are those meats or cuts that have a high percentage of fat. However, they are a great source of proteins of high biological value, iron and B complex vitamins.
Can a beef allergy cause an IgE reaction?
Other epitopes like bovine immunoglobulin (Bos d 7) can also induce IgE reactions. Due to shared proteins in mammalian muscle and milk, many with beef allergies also react to milk. In a study involving 28 children diagnosed with a beef allergy, 92.9% were allergic to cow’s milk. 2. Pork-Cat Syndrome
What causes a red meat allergy?
It’s important to note that this allergy can be triggered by various forms of red meat, including beef, pork, lamb. It may also arise after consuming common items like hotdogs and hamburgers. In exceptionally rare instances, the allergic reaction may extend to milk or dairy proteins and gelatin.