Ask Leah! The Ingles Dietitian

Partner content: What to eat with Alpha Gal

Partner content: What to eat with Alpha Gal

Alpha-Gal Syndrome, also known as mammalian meat allergy, is an allergy to meat. This allergy develops after a Lone Star tick bite causes a reaction in the immune system. This condition is becoming more common in the Southeast.

Across the U.S. it’s estimated that about 1-2% of the population has Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS), but in states where the Lone Star tick is more prevalent that percentage can go much higher, and estimates are 8%-46% of the population in those areas may have AGS.

For someone with AGS they must avoid mammalian meat in any form and also any byproducts (e.g. gelatin, broth) or else they will experience allergic reactions which can range from stomach pain to hives and even life-threatening anaphylaxis. This means no beef, pork, or lamb. Many with AGS also cannot consume dairy products like milk, yogurt, cottage cheese and cheese without experiencing allergic reactions.

This type of dietary change may be quite significant for some, but focusing on sources of protein that can be safely eaten is one place to start.

Safe sources of protein:

• Poultry (chicken, turkey, quail, emu) and eggs

Related Items

• Fish and seafood

• Beans, lentils

• Tofu, tempeh

Sources:

Sources:
Geographic Distribution of Suspected Alpha-gal Syndrome Cases — United States, January 2017 – December 2022 | MMWR

Alpha-gal syndrome - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

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