What is alpha-gal syndrome (AGS)? 

Alpha-gal is a sugar molecule that is found in most mammals, but not naturally in people. When a tick bites, they can inject alpha-gal sugar molecules into the blood stream. Our bodies sense that something is not right and build a resistance to fight off the foreign molecule. This forms the food allergy known as alpha-gal syndrome. Our bodies will have an allergic reaction to any forms of alpha-gal consumed. 

The reaction can range from mild to life threatening. 

Mild symptoms include:

• Swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, and eyelids 

• Hives

• difficulty breathing 

• heartburn 

• nausea and vomiting

• abdominal pain 

• diarrhea 

• decreased blood pressure 

Mild symptoms are uncomfortable and may be treated with medication. 

More severe symptoms should be treated with an injection or an EpiPen. 

It is important to note that the reaction may not be immediate like other food allergy reactions. It takes our bodies a bit longer to digest proteins than other foods, so it may be harder to pinpoint what is causing the reaction. 

What foods is alpha gal found in? 

In general, people with this allergy should avoid anything that walks.

All red meats including: 

• Beef

• Pork 

• Lamb

• Venison 

• Buffalo 

• Elk 

• Rabbit 

• Goat 

As well as all organ meats like intestines (tripe), intestines used for sausage casings, liver, and hearts. 

Even turkey and chicken sausages might contain pork intestine casings! 

Remember, you can eat it if it swims or flies. Birds such as chicken, turkey, quail, and duck, as well as eggs and fish don’t contain alpha-gal and are considered safe. 

Hidden sources of Alpha Gal

One tricky thing about the alpha gal syndrome is you must be cautious of processed foods, personal care products, and even some clothing items that use animal products. 

Cow’s milk is a major allergen and will be listed on a food label as “Contains: MILK.” Foods made from high fat content milk, like ice cream and whole cream, may contain alpha gal. 

A recent study found that people who are allergic to red meat were also sensitive to other animal by-products. Reactions to animal derived ingredients can range from mild to severe. Beef and mammal products are NOT required to be listed as an allergy on food labels. So, here’s a list of key ingredients to look out for that means it contains animal products and common products they are found in. 

• Gelatin or collagen 

• Jell-O

• Gummy candies 

• Marshmallows 

• Gummy vitamin supplements

• Some icing and frosting 

• Chewing gum

• Lard

• Refried beans 

• Vegetables

• Baked goods 

• Baking mixes

• Tortillas 

• Chips 

• Foods fried in lard 

• Tallow

• Beef fat often used in fry oil to enhance flavor 

• Suet 

• Meat broth, bouillon, stock, and gravy

• Pork rinds 

• Whey 

• Protein from milk 

• Rennet

• An enzyme derived from animals often found in cheeses

• It can also be called: 

• Enzymes 

• Traditional rennet 

• Rennin (or chymosin)

• Look for cheeses labeled “vegetarian” 

• Lanolin

• Made from sheep’s wool 

• Vitamin D3

• Derived from lanolin 

• Carrageen

• Derived from seaweed (unfortunately!) also contains alpha gal 

• Beer

• Juices 

• Wine

• Coating material sprayed on cut organic fruit 

• Uncooked poultry can be injected with carrageen 

• Diary Queen Blizzards 

• “Flavor” ingredients in savory foods  

• If it is not specified on the label, you may check with the manufacturer to find if it is an animal derived ingredient

Personal Care Products

While most people with AGS do not need to change their skin care routine, if you continue to have uncomfortable reactions after eliminating red meat from your diet, you may need to look closely at these products. 

The most problematic ingredients include: 

• Lanolin 

• Gelatin/collagen 

• Carrageenan 

One easy step to take is to ensure that the products you are using are vegan, that way they won’t contain any animal derivatives. 

Look for gelatin and carrageen in your oral hygiene products, like toothpaste and mouthwash. As well as shampoo and styling gels. 

Lanolin is often found in lip balms and make-up products. 

Environmental Reactions

Some people have symptoms after being exposed to fumes from cooking meat. Be cautious of airborne alpha gal and cross contamination. 

Take precautions around leather and wool. These are both made from red meat mammals and can cause reactions. 

Check candle ingredients as some can be made with tallow. 

Medications

Medications sometimes contain alpha gal containing stabilizers, additives, or coatings. Look for: 

• Gelatin 

• Binding agent in capsules and suppositories 

• Glycerin 

• Magnesium stearate 

• Bovine extract 

The cancer treatment, cetuximab, has been known to cause a reaction in people with AGS. 

Lists of additives to specific vaccines can be found through the CDC's Pink Book. Not all people with alpha gal syndrome will react to these ingredients. 

What’s Next? 

While this allergy may seem overwhelming do not worry, you do not have to do it alone. Working together with a registered dietitian, we can eliminate these sources of alpha gal so you can live symptom free. 

As awareness for this disease is growing, so does the amount of information, resources, and support for you. 

A great place to start is with alpha gal free recipes. Alpha-Gal cooking and One Ticked Chick are a great resources for recipes and ideas on managing AGS. 

A couple other helpful sites are AlphaGalInformation.org and Alpha Gal diagnosis and management.

If you’re BRAND NEW to Alpha Gal and need registered dietitian support,

Apply to work with Kristen, The Food Sensitivity Dietitian.

She will walk you through the first steps following a diagnosis.