Austin Compton is Cleveland County’s Family and Consumer Science Agent with the University of Arkansas System Cooperative Extension Service. Contact Austin via email at acompton@uada.edu or phone at (870) 325-6321.
Alpha-Gal syndrome is a type of food allergy in which people are allergic to red meat and other products from mammals.
The cause of Alpha-Gal Syndrome is the bite of the Lone Star Tick. When the tick bites, it releases a sugar molecule called Alpha-Gal into the body. This triggers a reaction from the body's immune system. From this point on, there are antibodies developed for Alpha-Gal (antibodies work as an identification system for dangerous things in your body to eliminate them. For example, Getting a Covid Vaccine lets your body develop antibodies for Covid, letting your body recognize it, and eliminate it.) Once these antibodies develop, your body will attack any Alpha-Gal molecule that enters the body, creating an allergy to Alpha-Gal. However, not every person who gets bit, will develop the Syndrome. It also might take years to notice you have it. This is not guaranteed; everyone is different.
If you eat something with Alpha-Gal, there are a few symptoms to be aware of. Symptoms will usually appear 3-6 hours after the consumption of red meats, organ meats, and mammal products. The time delay between ingestion of meat and the allergic reaction is due to the Alpha-Gal molecules taking longer than other allergens to be digested and enter the system that moves blood through the body. These Symptoms can range from hives, itching, and scaly skin, to Wheezing or shortness of breath, to even stomach pains, diarrhea, vomiting, and anaphylaxis (life threatening allergic reaction) If you have trouble breathing, rapid weak pulse, feeling dizzy or light headed, drooling or not able to swallow, or full body redness and warmth, please seek medical attention.
Risk factors for developing Alpha-Gal are living in the south US, spending a lot of time in open fields or tall grass, and getting frequent Lone Star Tick bites. To prevent contracting Alpha-Gal Syndrome, the best things to do are, Covering yourself up with long pants that are tucked in boots or socks, using bug spray, and checking yourself for ticks frequently. If you do contract Alpha-Gal Syndrome, there is no cure or vaccine for it, so you will be a permanent allergy.
While having Alpha-Gal Syndrome, the best type of treatment is to avoid foods with Alpha-Gal. These foods would be Beef, Pork, Lamb, Venison, Beef Broth, Seaweed, Organ Meats ( Liver, Hearts, Intestines, etc.) and Gelatins. Be sure to ask your health care provider or allergist for a list of foods to avoid, including meat extracts used in flavoring. If you are unsure of what is in the food, it would be best to not eat. Keep epinephrine (Epi-Pen) with you at all times in case of a severe allergic reaction.
Credit to: Nina Roofe, PhD, RDN, LD. Assistant Vice President - Family & Consumer Sciences; Quadarius Whitson, MS. Program Associate - Culinary Nutrition & Food Safety.
Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.