Alpha-Gal Syndrome in Pregnancy

Filet Mignon, Pork Loin, Rib-Eye….all delicious (unless you are vegetarian)! If you are a meat- eater, be aware of AGS. Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), also known as Red Meat Allergy, is a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur after a tick bite from a Lone Star tick or other tick species. While clustering within the US, Alpha-gal syndrome is found on every continent except Antarctica. With the tick bite, the tick transfers alpha-gal, a sugar molecule found in most mammals, into the person's bloodstream. The body then produces antibodies to fight the alpha-gal, which can trigger an allergic reaction when the person eats meat from a mammal or is exposed to other products containing alpha-gal. It's named for a molecule, galactose-α-1,3-galactose, that's found in most mammals but not in humans. According to the CDC, the overall prevalence is increasing. In this episode, we will review this allergic condition, the animal-based foods that may trigger it, and what the implications are during pregnancy.