What is Alpha-Gal Food Allergy

What is Alpha-Gal?

Do you have recurring stomach issues, rashes that you cannot explain, or breathing troubles every time you go to your favorite steakhouse?

In the past decade or so, physicians are finding that some patients are reacting to a molecule in red meat.

This compound gets into the bloodstream of cows and other mammals, including humans, through a tick bite.

This allergy was new to the science and medical communities only being discovered in 2006.

It is an allergic reaction to eating red meat although it is also found in pork. The reaction does not come on right away. Most people experience symptoms between three to six hours after eating meat with the molecule in it. Allergies to this substance often present themselves in a variety of ways depending on the person. Some people may only feel some discomfort while others have hives or go into anaphylaxis.

What Causes this Food Allergy?


Ticks carry the carbohydrate molecule known for causing this food allergy. This molecular compound is spread to humans and animals through tick bites. In the United States, this bite often comes from the Lone Star Tick. The insect is recognizable because of the coloring on its' back. In Asia, Europe, and other continents like Australia, other breeds of ticks are the culprit. Some parts of the U.S. including Hawaii are finding this tick because of transporting cargo.

Deer migration in the mid-west United States is also spreading the allergen. When a person is bitten by this tick, the allergy can stay dormant or present itself immediately. The immune system will form and release antibodies and histamine to protect itself from the allergen. This reaction is what causes the bad symptoms. People who eat meat that comes from animals bitten by a tick can also develop the same allergy.

Symptoms of Alpha-Gal Syndrome

This allergy often hides behind other causes because it is so new. Unless you are specifically tested for this molecule or allergy, then you may not find an answer to your food problems right away. In some cancer patients, taking the medication Erbitux can cause the allergy because it has the alpha-gal compound in the drug. Researchers warn that even when this allergy is under control, a new tick bite can cause the body to ramp up the histamines and allergy response.

  • A runny nose, sniffling, sneezing
  • A headache with stuffiness
  • Watery, irritated eyes
  • Stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea
  • Trouble breathing including wheezing
  • Anaphylaxis
  • Hives or eczema symptoms
  • Swelling especially in the face and neck areas

What Meat Can Have the Molecules that Causes this Allergy?

Any mammal is susceptible to these tick bites. Everything from cows to sheep and even deer can have this compound in its' system. Pigs and bison are also susceptible. Eggs and seafood can have this molecule if they are seasoned with beef broth, but otherwise, these meats are acceptable food options for people with this allergy. This compound is also seen in gelatin products.

Dangers of Exposure to Alpha-Gal

  • Little or no reaction
  • Mild discomfort especially in the stomach and digestive tract
  • Moderate to severe pain
  • Life-threatening reactions that cause the airway to swell shut
  • Possible lifelong problems eating red meat
  • Some people can resume eating red meat with a process called desensitization
  • How to Avoid Food with this Allergen

While there is no specific test for alpha-gal in meat, you can do several things to help yourself avoid problems with allergies to red meat. When in or near wooded areas, you should always wear long-sleeves, insect repellent, mosquito hats, and light clothing. Be sure to use a flashlight and tweezers to check your entire body for ticks. Tall boots and thick denim or outdoor pants help you avoid getting bit by the ticks as well. While not every state in the U.S sees a problem with the Lone Star Tick, Healthline warns people in the southern and eastern portions of the country be extra careful to check for these insects.

Allergies to alpha-gal are delayed, so it is important to keep a food journal when you think you might have this health issue. Symptoms will appear in as little as two hours all the way up to six hours after being bit by a tick or when consuming meat with the alpha-gal molecule. By noting when you have symptoms, what you eat, and how often the problems occur, you can help your doctor decide what tests can help you find relief.

A blood test after being bit by a tick can tell if you have the molecule in your system. The compound will show up for one to two weeks after eating meat with the molecule in it. If you are having symptoms after eating red meat, your allergist can do a skin test with alpha-gal molecules to see if you react. You will develop a welt or swollen area where the compound is applied to the skin if you have a positive reaction. The Mayo Clinic says that this allergy might explain why some people are testing negative for traditional food allergies, but still have several anaphylactic episodes too.

About the Author

Chef Kevin Bouchard is the Director at Best Online Steaks, a website that buys and reviews beef products sold by national and regional steak companies. Learn more by visiting BestOnlineSteaks.com

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