An allergy to meat can develop at any stage of life, and some people are at greater risk, including those with certain blood types, atopic dermatitis, past infections, tick bites, or co-existing allergies to foods.
As with all allergies, the underlying cause of an allergy to meat is not known. Scientists have gained more insight into the key factors that trigger red meat.
An allergy to Alpha-Gal is the most common cause of allergic reactions with most meats. Alpha-Gal, also known as Galactose-alpha-1, 3-galactose, is a carbohydrate that can be found in beef.
The lone star tick contains alpha-gal, and some studies show that ticks are the only real cause of an allergy to alpha-gal. When bitten by a lone star tick, your body produces antibodies to combat it, as a result of an autoimmune reaction, the antibodies will fight the alpha-gal when it appears in the body through meat consumption.
Reaction to a beef allergy ranges in severity. The following signs have to do with an allergy to beef or an alpha-gal:
- Hives
- Asthma
- Nausea
- Headaches
