From the Guidelines
The primary treatment for Alpha-gal syndrome is strict avoidance of mammalian meat and products containing mammalian ingredients, as recommended by the most recent study 1. Patients must eliminate beef, pork, lamb, venison, rabbit, and other mammalian meats from their diet, as well as products made with mammalian ingredients like gelatin, certain medications with gelatin capsules, and some dairy products. Key points to consider in management include:
- Avoiding foods with high fat content like ice cream, cream, and cream cheese, which have higher amounts of alpha-gal 1
- Being cautious with processed foods and restaurant meals due to potential cross-contamination with alpha-gal 1
- Considering the use of antihistamines for mild symptoms and epinephrine auto-injectors for severe reactions, although specific guidance on these medications is not provided in the referenced studies
- Implementing tick prevention measures, such as using DEET-containing repellents, wearing protective clothing, and checking for ticks after outdoor activities, to prevent further tick bites which can worsen the allergy 1
- Regular follow-up to monitor symptoms and potentially reintroduce foods as sensitization fades, with caution and under medical guidance 1
From the Research
Treatment for Alpha-gal Syndrome
The treatment for Alpha-gal syndrome primarily involves:
- Avoidance of mammalian meats and occasionally dairy and other products 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- Acute management of allergic symptoms, which may include:
- Counseling about tick avoidance measures, as Alpha-gal syndrome can wane over time in many patients 2
Management and Prevention
Long-term management involves diet modification with the elimination of meat 4, 5, 6. Patients can also have adverse reactions to certain medications, such as cetuximab, heparin, monoclonal antibodies, and pancreatic enzymes, and clinicians may have difficulty identifying these reactions 4, 5. If patients have a good response to diet modification and have a significant reduction in their specific IgE level to alpha-gal, they potentially can resume eating meat in their diet under the direction of a specialist 4.
Additional Considerations
The use of antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, and the emerging role of complementary and alternative therapies, biological products, and oral immunotherapy may also be considered in the management of Alpha-gal syndrome 5. Additionally, Alpha-gal syndrome can impact the safety and tolerability of medications and medical devices containing or derived from mammalian products, and can affect quality of life beyond food choices 5.