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Alpha Gal Syndrome is a form of meat allergy that develops after a bite from the Lone Star Tick

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What is Alpha Gal?

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Alpha-gal stands for galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose. It is a carbohydrate (sugar) molecule naturally found in the cells of most mammals (such as cows, pigs, and sheep), but it is not found in humans, primates, birds, or fish.

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When a person is bitten by certain ticks (like the Lone Star tick in the US), these ticks can transmit the alpha-gal sugar into the human body. This can trigger the immune system to create antibodies against the alpha gal sugar, resulting in Alpha-gal Syndrome (AGS). People with AGS suffer allergic reactions (which can range from hives to anaphylaxis) after eating red meat, dairy products, or consuming products derived from mammals. Because reactions can be delayed by 2 to 10 hours after eating, the allergy can be difficult to diagnose. Alpha Gal Syndrome is believed to be significantly under-diagnosed.

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What changes in my body to cause me to react to meat?

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That is a very important question to understand.  Because something has changed to make your body react to something that is not really a danger (Alpha Gal molecule), it may be possible for that change to be reversed.  That is the underlying concept behind treatment to help your body “flip the switch” again that caused the body to react defensively to a harmless carbohydrate molecule.

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Before the tick bite, affected people could easily eat and digest meat and dairy.  After the Alpha Gal condition has developed, they are no longer able to eat meat or sometimes dairy without a reaction.  What changed, exactly?

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When the tick bit you, it injected some of its saliva.  The saliva contains Alpha Gal.  Your body then reacts to the Alpha Gal as a foreign invader and mounts an emergency defense attack.  That attack is part of your body’s immune system response to protect you from bacteria, viruses and other possible infections.

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Your defense includes reactive inflammation, swelling, possibly hives, and other responses. In some cases, though, the immune reaction may be so subtle that is it not even noticed by the person that has just been bit.

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The meat allergy comes later.  The Alpha Gal sugar molecule is also contained in meat and dairy.  Although meat and dairy are not a threat to your body, the immune system has now been sensitized to the sugar molecule Alpha Gal.  Since the meat and dairy contain Alpha Gal, it sets off an emergency defense reaction again.  Because the meat or dairy can contain much more Alpha Gal than a tick bite, the reaction can be quite many times greater.

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Why is there a delay after I eat meat before I react?

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When you eat meat or dairy, it takes some time to digest the food before your body will react. 

The digestive reaction that causes stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea can be delayed by 1-6 hours. 

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Are reactions possible even without eating meat?

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Although it is called “the meat allergy,” Alpha Gal involves much more.  People with AGS can react to meat products from beef, pork, lamb, venison (deer) or other mammals. They may be reactive to the Alpha Gal molecules contained in dairy products. They may also react to certain drugs, notably some blood thinners and cancer drugs.  Even gel caps and other products including candies that contain gelatin can cause a reaction. (gelatin is made from animal products).

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People may also react to alpha-gal present in certain vaccines, medications, medical products, and personal care items made with mammal-derived components. A small percentage of people with alpha-gal syndrome will even experience symptoms when they are in the presence of fumes from grilling due to inhalation of meat fat droplets.

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Some people that work around animals such as veterinarians, farm workers, and others may experience reactions due to the presence of the Alpha Gal in the animals’ dander, secretions, or blood.

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What do allergists recommend for Alpha Gal ?

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Allergists recommend people with AGS completely avoid all mammal meat and dairy. It is also recommended to avoid ingesting any products such as the affected medications, gelatin or other products that may be contaminated with mammal meat.

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Because there are so many food products that may contain ingredients that can set off a reaction, this is a problem. Even is you are careful, accidental exposure can result in a reaction.

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Alpha Gal is naturally present in many mammal-derived pharmaceuticals and medical devices, including collagen sutures, some vaccines, anesthetics, and IV solutions. Even bandages can cause problems if they’re made with mammal-derived adhesives.

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Is there any medical treatment for AGS?

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There is no drug or other traditional medical treatment currently available to treat Alpha Gal Syndrome. Currently the only recommendation provided by most medical providers is to avoid eating meat or dairy and being exposed to the products that cause a reaction.  Medically, Alpha Gal Syndrome is considered a lifetime allergy. Although some patients may eventually be able to resume safely eating meat again, others will not.

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Currently the only medical treatment that has been effective in helping patients with Alpha Gal Syndrome begin to eat meat again is Medical Acupuncture

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Learn more about our effective NAAT Medical Acupuncture treatment program in this website.

Or call to request a FREE Initial Consultation.

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Call to schedule a FREE Initial Consultation: (629) 209-4074

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Tips For Avoiding Tick Bites

CDC Recommendations for How To Prevent (Lone Star) Tick Bites

Before You Go Outdoors

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After You Come Indoors

Source: CDC