What Is Alpha-gal Syndrome?
Alpha-gal Syndrome (AGS), or alpha-gal allergy, is a serious allergic reaction to products containing the sugar molecule, alpha-gal. Alpha-gal (galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose) is present in most mammals (pork, cattle, rabbit, lamb, etc.) and in mammalian products such as gelatin and dairy. Individuals can experience symptoms of Alpha-gal Syndrome after consuming red meat or other alpha-gal-containing products. There is evidence that Alpha-gal Syndrome can also be triggered by a tick bite. AGS is becoming more common, affecting over 450,000 people in the US.
Can A Tick Bite Cause Alpha-gal Syndrome?
The Lone Star tick is a type of tick native to the eastern United States and Mexico. They are known to transmit alpha-gal molecules to people after feeding on the blood of animals such as cows and sheep. As a result, people who encounter the Lone Star tick may also develop mild to severe allergic reactions to the alpha-gal molecules the ticks carry. Tick bites can be avoided by wearing cover-up garments and staying away from tick-infested locations, such as woodlands and bushy, tall grass areas.
How Is Alpha-gal Syndrome Diagnosed?
An allergy specialist can identify AGS based on the patient's history, physical examination, antibodies (blood test), and allergy skin testing. Several studies have found that certain individuals with frequent unexplained anaphylactic reactions yet test negative for other food allergies may have AGS.
The most frequent test used by healthcare providers to diagnose AGS is a blood test that evaluates the level of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies specific to alpha-gal. When a person has a hypersensitivity reaction to a hazardous allergen, the amount of IgE antibody is generally elevated. As a result, a high level of specific IgE antibodies responding to alpha-gal sugar molecules can confirm the diagnosis of alpha-gal syndrome.
A skin test is another method used to determine alpha-gal allergy. This procedure consists of a skin prick with a small amount of red meat extract or alpha-gal-containing substances. If red bumps (hives or a rash) form around the prick sites, it indicates that the individual has AGS.
What Are The Signs and Symptoms of Alpha-gal Syndrome?
Symptoms vary based on the individual and can present as mild, moderate, severe, or life-threatening. Some patients may experience gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort. Patients may require immediate medical attention and should call 911 if experiencing serious symptoms.
How To Manage Alpha-gal Syndrome?
Ideally, patients should seek the guidance of an allergy specialist or a healthcare provider or pharmacy who is knowledgeable in assessing Alpha-gal Syndrome. Additionally, AGS patients should:
Avoid eating mammalian meats
Avoid certain household products, medications, or over-the-counter/supplements that may contain animal-derived ingredients.
Check the ingredient labels on store-bought goods to ensure they do not include anything mammalian-derived, including animal extracts used in flavoring
Research animal-free products from credible sources, such as VeganMed
Alpha-gal and Medications
Patients with Alpha-gal Syndrome must be vigilant about their dietary choices and meticulously scrutinize their medication intake. A study revealed that discussions about medications (20%) in AGS social media groups were nearly as prevalent as those about food (22%). Given the prevalence of animal-derived ingredients in medications, transparent labeling is crucial for managing AGS. Other research has shown 75% of AGS patients react to animal-derived ingredients, with 50% having severe reactions. While there is no cure for Alpha-gal Syndrome, there are effective ways to manage the allergy and numerous resources available for AGS patients to learn more about their diagnosis and the products they consume.
Alpha-gal Syndrome - Guide For Food
Alpha-gal Syndrome - Guide For Ingredients
It's important to note that some alpha-gal patients can react to carrageenan, a thickening agent extracted from red seaweed. Although generally harmless and used in vegan-friendly products, carrageenan contains alpha-gal and can trigger allergic reactions in some AGS patients.
A Piece Of Advice From People With Alpha-gal Syndrome
Living with alpha-gal syndrome can be challenging because many foods, medications, and supplements contain alpha-gal sugar molecules. Candice and Debbie, two women with alpha-gal allergy, co-founded the site Two Alpha Gals and stated in an interview,
“Many of us living with alpha-gal syndrome will react to even trace amounts of mammal ingredients in medications. The range of potential dangers includes lactose, magnesium stearate, stearic acid, gelatin caps, fillers, and more. We even have to be careful with vitamins and minerals which can be derived from mammals.”
Conclusion
There are numerous product labels on the market today that do not clearly identify the sources of ingredients listed. Candice and Debbie recently discovered our website and found it helpful in their search for resources to choose the right product for themselves and for patients with alpha-gal syndrome. They stated,
"The work VeganMed is doing is critical for those of us with alpha-gal syndrome as we need to be able to access medications free from mammal-derived ingredients for our own safety. The extensive research and certification process employed by VeganMed into ingredients and sourcing gives us confidence to trust their products.”
VeganMed is dedicated to improving the lives of those who choose an animal-free lifestyle. We help patients, including those with Alpha-gal Syndrome, find suitable animal-free products and medications. Our research ensures patients can trust their purchases, and we simplify the search for prescribers. We also advocate for transparent labeling of animal-derived ingredients in health products. If you are unsure about ingredients listed on medications or supplement labels, please feel free to reach out to us at VeganMed.org/contact-us.
Co-authored by: Nicole Sanchez-Truong, Jane Prasertthanabut, Gurinderpal Kaur, Frank Son, PharmD
Reviewed by: Jasmine Uchi, PharmD
We would like to thank #TWOALPHAGALS for taking the time to be a part of our interview and sharing their personal experiences living with Alpha-gal Syndrome. We encourage you to check out their blog, Two Alpha Gals, to connect with more people on the same journey and explore more tips and tricks on how to live a joyful life while managing Alpha-gal Syndrome!
Disclaimer: The product and/or information provided on VeganMed is of a general nature and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not lab test the products to confirm that they are free from animal ingredients, and it is possible that the formulation and ingredients could have changed. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or product. The information provided in this post is accurate and up to date as of the date it was written. However, please note that circumstances and facts may change over time, and new information may become available that could alter the accuracy or relevance of the content. We encourage readers to verify and cross-reference any information provided here with trusted sources or consult relevant professionals for the most current and accurate updates.
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