ALPHA-GAL INFORMATION
A project of the Alpha-gal Syndrome Awareness Campaign
Alpha-gal Syndrome
The Epidemic You’ve Never Heard of
Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), or mammalian meat allergy, is a tick-induced allergy to galactose-α-1,3-galactose. This sugar, commonly known as alpha-gal, is found in all mammals except for humans and some primates. Products made from mammals can also contain alpha-gal. These include mammalian meat (like beef, pork, and lamb), milk and dairy products, gelatin, medications, medical products (like heparin and vaccines), personal care products (like lotion and make-up), and many other items. Reactions, which can be life-threatening, may be immediate, as in the case of injected drugs, or delayed from 2 to 10 hours, as is typical after the consumption of mammalian meat.
In the U.S.,
lone star tick bites
are thought to be the primary source of sensitization.
Have you been bitten by a tick?
Do you get sick in the middle of the night after eating red meat?
Do you have unexplained anaphylactic reactions, hives, GI issues, or arthritis?
You may have alpha-gal syndrome.
What is Alpha-gal Syndrome?
Symptoms
Diagnosis and Testing
Expert Scott Commins Explains Alpha-gal Syndrome
Fast facts about
alpha-gal syndrome
“…in the southeastern United States, approximately 3% of the general population exhibits anaphylaxis after consumption of mammalian meat.”
“In certain geographic areas and in populations with high tick exposure, the level of sensitization can be 15-35% but this does not represent clinical AGS, which appears to occur in 1-8% of sensitized individuals.”
“In geographic areas where tick bites are common, AGS is likely under- recognized and under-diagnosed. We suggest testing for alpha-gal IgE in tick-endemic areas as part of the evaluation for cases of idiopathic anaphylaxis, recurrent urticaria and/or angioedema, as well as recurrent, episodic gastrointestinal cramping of unestablished cause.”
*most of the southeastern U.S. and other populations with high tick exposure, including areas of the Midwest and much of the eastern U.S.
15-35%
of the population in the southern U.S. and large areas of the Midwest and eastern U.S. is sensitized to alpha-gal
Over 34,000
The number of Americans diagnosed has risen from 12 in 2009 to over 34,000 in 2019. It is estimated that there may be a million or more undiagnosed cases in the U.S. alone.
3-8 hours
typical delay of reactions after exposure
Up to 60%
of cases have anaphylactic reactions
30-40%
of cases have cardiac symptoms
Up to 20%
of cases have GI symptoms alone
More than 20,000
drugs, vaccines and medical products contain mammalian byproducts
Hundreds
of mammalian byproducts with obscure names like oleic acid are added to foods without being labeled as derived from mammals
7 years
average time to diagnosis due to lack of physician awareness
A reference section with links to the studies from which these numbers were drawn in is development. In the meantime, please feel free to contact us at alphagalinformation@gmail.com with any questions. We would be happy to provide you with more information.
Dr. Oz Introduces Alpha-gal Information
Newly diagnosed? Start here!
What Do My Test Results Mean?
Management of Alpha-gal Syndrome
Alpha-gal Tolerance Levels
What Does AGS Make You Allergic To?
Checklist for the Newly Diagnosed
Avoiding Additional Tick Bites
GET HELP
Make an Appointment with an Expert
Find a Support Group
Patient Recommended Physicians
Find Someone Local to Talk To
LEARN MORE
Where does alpha-gal syndrome occur?
Research
Help Find a Cure
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