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Alpha-Gal

  • Alpha-Gal (galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose) is a sugar molecule found in most mammals, but not in humans, apes, or monkeys.
  • It is found in mammal-derived products such as:
  • Red meat
  • Dairy products
  • Gelatin
  • Certain medications, vaccines, and cosmetics
  • Ticks acquire Alpha-Gal after feeding on mammals such as cows and sheep
  • Alpha-Gal is passed to humans through subsequent tick bites
  • In some individuals, this exposure leads to Alpha-Gal syndrome
  • Allergic reactions may range from mild to severe
  • Triggered by eating red meat (beef, pork, lamb, venison, rabbit)
  • Reactions may also occur from mammal-derived products including, cosmetics, medications, vaccines, gelatin, and dairy products
  • Symptoms may not occur after every exposure
  • People of all ages can be affected
  • Cases are increasing across the United States, particularly along the East Coast
  • Symptoms may appear up to 12 hours after eating red meat
  • This happens because Alpha-Gal is digested and absorbed more slowly than other allergens
  • Unlike most food allergies, reactions are often delayed
  • Hives, itching, eczema
  • Lightheadedness or fainting
  • Shortness of breath
  • Low blood pressure
  • Swelling of the lips, face, tongue, throat, or other body areas
  • Nasal congestion, sneezing, headaches
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms, including:
  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • In rare cases, Alpha-Gal can trigger a serious, life-threatening allergic reaction that requires urgent care
  • Symptoms may include:
  • Sudden drop in blood pressure
  • Swelling of the throat or airway
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • Loss of consciousness
    • This requires immediate treatment with epinephrine (EpiPen)
  • Avoidance of red meat, dairy, and Alpha-Gal–containing products
  • Symptom management with antihistamines and corticosteroids
  • Emergency care required for severe reactions
  • SAAT (Soliman Auricular Allergy Treatment)
  • Highly specialized therapy developed and patented by Dr. Nader Soliman
  • Considered the gold standard for Alpha-Gal treatment
  • The only known therapy offering permanent relief from Alpha-Gal symptoms