Alpha Gal

What is Alpha Gal?

 Alpha-Gal is short for Galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose, a type of carbohydrate found in red meat and other animal products. It is also present in the saliva of several tick species including the Lone Star Tick, Amblyomma americanum. During feeding, tick saliva is injected under the skin, introducing alpha-gal and anything else that may be present, including viruses, bacteria, and/or protozoans.

Alpha Gal Symptom Summary

What is Alpha-gal Syndrome?

Alpha-gal Syndrome (AGS) is a unique immune reaction characterized as a hypersensitivity to alpha-gal. It develops as a direct result of a tick bite. It is different from typical allergies in that it is a Type II, delayed reaction starting 3 to 6 hours after eating. The immune reaction can be delayed for up to 10 hours and is not always consistent, making diagnosis challenging. In this study, symptoms developed after eating beef, pork, or lamb but did not occur after eating chicken, turkey, or fish.

In addition to meat, other products can cause reactions as well.  According to alphagalinformation.org, alpha-gal reactions can occur after exposure to:

·        Mammalian meats, organs (pork kidney), and blood

·        Dairy products, gelatin, or other foods derived from mammals

·        Foods that contain mammal byproducts

·        Drugs, medical products, personal care, household, and other products with mammalian ingredients

·        Products containing carrageenan, which is not from a mammal but does contain alpha-gal

·        Fish roe, specifically eggs from flounder

What are the symptoms of Alpha-gal Syndrome?

  • Dermatological (hives, flushing)

  • Respiratory (asthma, shortness of breath, wheezing, cough)

  • Itching (soles of feet, palms of hands, ears)

  • Anaphylaxis (life-threatening, severe reaction)

  • Gastrointestinal (diarrhea, cramping, vomiting, heartburn)

  • Cardiovascular (fainting, low blood pressure, light-headedness, weak and rapid pulse)

  • Other symptoms (Mast Cell Syndrome, joint pain, uterine cramping)

 A more complete discussion of AGS symptoms can be found at alphagalinformation.org.

How is Alpha-gal Syndrome diagnosed?

 Because AGS is a reaction to the alpha-gal sugar, typical skin prick tests with commercial extracts of beef or pork are often negative. Diagnosis of AGS is through a combination of history of allergic reactions to meat or other known triggers (especially delayed reactions), history of tick exposure (although a tick bite is not noticed in many patients), responsiveness to dietary avoidance of triggers, and a blood test for the presence of Galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal) specific IgE antibodies in the blood.

 Unfortunately, many doctors are unfamiliar with AGS and might not know which tests are appropriate for diagnosis. Alphagalinformation.org has created a reference sheet you can take to your doctor. You can access the reference sheet here.

SUMMARY:

Alpha Gal Syndrome is an allergic reaction to the sugar Galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose. This sugar is found in red meat, dairy, and products containing carrageenan or other mammal-derived ingredients. Diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms as well as alpha-gal IgE antibody testing. There is no known cure for AGS but reactions may become less severe over time. Avoidance of all possible triggers is essential to minimizing reactions. Additional tick bites can make AGS worse, so tick bite prevention strategies are important. Prevention of AGS is by avoiding tick bites.

Frequently Asked Questions about Alpha-gal Syndrome

What is Alpha-gal Syndrome?

Alpha-gal Syndrome is a condition characterized by an allergic reaction to a sugar molecule called alpha-gal, which is found in mammalian meat products. It is typically triggered by the bite of the Lone Star tick (Amblyomma americanum) and can lead to delayed allergic reactions several hours after consuming red meat.

What are the symptoms of Alpha-gal Syndrome?

The most common symptoms of Alpha-gal Syndrome include:

  • Hives or skin rash.

  • Itching.

  • Swelling, particularly around the lips, face, tongue, and throat.

  • Gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

  • Respiratory symptoms, including coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.

  • In some cases, severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) may occur.

How is Alpha-gal Syndrome diagnosed?

The diagnosis of Alpha-gal Syndrome involves a combination of clinical evaluation, medical history, and specific laboratory tests. These may include blood tests to measure levels of specific antibodies (anti-alpha-gal IgE) and allergy tests, such as skin prick testing or oral food challenges, to confirm the allergic response to alpha-gal.

Is there a cure for Alpha-gal Syndrome?

Currently, there is no cure for Alpha-gal Syndrome. The primary treatment is strict avoidance of mammalian meat products, including beef, pork, lamb, and sometimes even products derived from cow's milk. In case of allergic reactions, antihistamines and, in severe cases, epinephrine (EpiPen) may be prescribed to manage symptoms.

How long does it take for symptoms to appear after consuming red meat?

Symptoms of Alpha-gal Syndrome typically appear 3 to 6 hours after consuming mammalian meat. However, the exact timing can vary among individuals and may depend on factors such as the amount of meat consumed and individual sensitivity.

Can Alpha-gal Syndrome be outgrown?

While some individuals may experience a decrease in sensitivity to alpha-gal over time, Alpha-gal Syndrome is generally considered a lifelong condition. It is important to maintain strict avoidance of mammalian meat products and continue monitoring for any allergic reactions.

Can Alpha-gal Syndrome cause reactions to other products besides meat?

In some cases, individuals with Alpha-gal Syndrome may also develop allergic reactions to other products derived from mammals, such as gelatin-based medications, certain dairy products, and even some cosmetics or personal care items containing mammalian-derived ingredients. It is important to read labels carefully and consult with a healthcare professional if there are concerns.

How can I prevent Alpha-gal Syndrome?

Prevention of Alpha-gal Syndrome involves avoiding tick bites and taking appropriate measures when spending time in tick-prone areas. This includes wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants tucked into socks, using insect repellents, and conducting regular tick checks on your body after outdoor activities.

Are there any complications associated with Alpha-gal Syndrome?

While most reactions to alpha-gal are not life-threatening, severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) can occur in some cases, which require immediate medical attention. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as difficulty breathing, tightness in the throat, lightheadedness, and seek emergency care if necessary.

If you suspect you have Alpha-gal Syndrome or have concerns about allergic reactions to alpha-gal, it is recommended to consult with an allergist or healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis, proper management, and guidance on dietary restrictions.