At a glance
- Meat from mammals, such as beef, pork, or lamb, can contain high amounts of alpha-gal.
- This could trigger allergic reactions in people with alpha-gal syndrome (AGS).
- Some non-food products may also contain alpha-gal.
Foods that may contain alpha-gal
AGS can be severe or life-threatening. Seek immediate emergency care if you are having a severe allergic reaction.
The following foods or food ingredients may contain alpha-gal. However, this is not a list of all products or ingredients that may contain alpha-gal.
High amounts of alpha-gal may be found in:
- Beef, pork, lamb, venison, rabbit, or other meat from mammals
- Mammal organ meat, such as liver, kidneys, intestines, or sweetbreads
- Rocky mountain or prairie oysters
Food products that contain milk and milk products may also contain alpha-gal. However, many patients with AGS can tolerate milk products.
Cow's milk is the only alpha-gal containing ingredient classified as a major food allergen. Under the food labels must clearly identify the food source names of any ingredients that are one of the or contain protein derived from a major food allergen in the ingredient list or a separate "Contains" statement.
Some people with AGS may also be sensitive to alpha-gal found in:
- Gelatin made from beef or pork
- Products made or cooked with mammal fat, like lard, tallow, or suet
- Meat broth, bouillon, stock, and gravy
Note: Not all patients with AGS have reactions to every product containing alpha-gal.
Foods that don't contain alpha-gal
- Poultry, such as chicken, turkey, duck, or quail
- Fish and seafood, such as shrimp
- Eggs
- Fruits and vegetables
Non-food products containing alpha-gal
Some medications and vaccines may contain small amounts of alpha-gal-containing additives, stabilizers, or coatings. However, not all patients with AGS react to these ingredients.
Ingredients that may contain alpha-gal include, but are not limited to:
- Gelatin
- Glycerin
- Magnesium stearate
- Bovine extract
Lists of additives to specific vaccines (called vaccine excipients) are available through ob体育's Pink Book [PDF – 4 pages] and the .
Animal-derived medical products, such as heart valves from pigs or cows, monoclonal antibodies, heparin, and certain antivenoms may contain alpha-gal.
As with any severe allergy, patients with AGS should work with their healthcare providers to make decisions about individual risk and benefit from specific vaccines and medications.