Up to 450,000 people in the United States may have developed a rare and potentially
life-threatening tick-associated allergic condition that is triggered when eating red meat.
Alpha-gal syndrome, sometimes known as red-meat allergy, is caused when a tick bites
a person and injects a sugar molecule found in its saliva. In some people, this sugar
causes an allergic reaction, which can be further triggered by eating red meat, including
beef, pork and lamb, because the meat also contains the sugar, known as alpha-gal.
Other food products from mammals, such as cow’s milk, other dairy products and
gelatin, can also cause allergic reactions. The reactions range from mild, such as hives
and itchy rash, to more severe, including difficulty breathing and drops in blood
pressure.
Aside from avoiding those foods and products, there is no treatment or cure.
Food avoidance is not enough. Alpha Gal patients must scrutinize their medication
intake. Potential dangers include: *lactose *magnesium stearate *steric acid *gelatin
caps *fillers * vitamins * vaccines (which can be infused with gelatin for stabilization).
75% of prescriptions are NOT alpha gal friendly
In 80% of alpha gal patients, it took 7 years to diagnose this disease.
Cause: Lone Star or Black Legged Deer tick bite 4 to 12 weeks after exposure alpha gal can develop.
Symptoms: Symptoms seem to be “consistently inconsistent”. They occur 3 to 8
hours after ingestion. Symptoms are delayed, most folks have GI symptoms when the
meat is finally absorbed into the body. hives & rash, nausea and vomiting, cough, indigestion and diarrhea.
60% of AGS patients suffer with anaphylactic reactions
30 to 40% of AGS have cardiac symptoms or reactions.
Cofactors that further increase the severity of the allergic reaction include:
*alcohol *exercise *age *use of Motrin *Type O Blood
Prevalence: estimated 450,000 in the US but only 150,00 diagnosed
Reported in 17 countries and 6 continents
In Arkansas 39% of the military population tested positive
States with the highest prevalence?
Arkansas Oklahoma Missouri Kansas
Diagnosis: 78% of healthcare providers know little to nothing about AGS
You need an allergy specialist
Dr Tina K Merrit and Dr. Jennifer Platt in Bentonville
Blood test that looks at IgE : Alpha Gal Panel: Quest Code 10555
Labcorp Code 650003
Prevention is KEY Don’t Get Bit Don’t Get Sick
Use insect repellent. Put your contaminated clothing in the dryer for 15 minutes. If bit save the tick.
Good resources on the Web:
Vegamed: Pharmacist operated online web site which is a clearing house on products. Should be an Alpha Gal’s best friend to locating commercial products not derived from mammals.
Arkansas Board of Health: great hour long video you can watch
Alpha Gal Encouragers: 3,000 people in NWA, Encourage - Empower - Educate
Alpha Gal Information: Good information
Mary Ruth Products: Available at Tahlequah Drug Co.
Podcasts: In the Tall Grass with Two Alpha Gals
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