Meat, which is a staple in many diets, is generally considered a valuable source of protein and nutrients, however, for some individuals, eating meat can cause allergic reactions that can range from mild discomfort to serious complications. Meat allergies are relatively uncommon, but can cause significant health problems if not properly identified and managed, so understanding the signs and symptoms is important for people who suspect they may be allergic to meat.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Akash Shah, consultant pathologist at Newberg Diagnostics, suggested to be alert for these signs –
- Late onset symptoms: Unlike the immediate allergic reactions typically associated with foods such as nuts or shellfish, meat allergies often manifest with delayed-onset symptoms. These symptoms may not appear until several hours after eating the meat, making it challenging to pinpoint the exact cause of the reaction.
- Gastrointestinal distress: One of the most common symptoms of meat allergy is gastrointestinal distress. Individuals may experience stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or bloating after eating the meat. These symptoms can vary in severity and may last for hours or days.
- Skin reactions: Skin reactions are another hallmark of meat allergy. These reactions may include hives, itching, redness, or swelling of the skin. In some cases, individuals may develop eczema or dermatitis after eating meat. These skin symptoms can be uncomfortable and may worsen with continued exposure to meat proteins.
- Respiratory Symptoms: In rare cases, meat allergies can cause respiratory symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, trouble breathing, or even anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a serious, life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention. This can cause difficulty in breathing, drop in blood pressure and loss of consciousness.
- Cross-Reactivity: Some individuals with meat allergies may also experience cross-reactivity with other foods. For example, people allergic to beef may also react to other types of mammalian meat such as pig or sheep meat. This cross-reactivity is caused by similarities in protein structures between different types of meat.
Dr. Akash Shah suggests, “If you suspect that you may be allergic to meat, it is essential to consult a health care professional for proper diagnosis and management. Allergy testing, including skin prick tests or blood tests, can help identify specific allergies. Once diagnosed, the primary treatment for meat allergy is strict avoidance of meat products. While meat allergies are relatively rare, they can cause significant discomfort and health complications for those affected. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of meat allergy, including delayed-onset reactions, gastrointestinal distress, skin reactions, respiratory symptoms, and cross-reactivity, is essential for timely diagnosis and management. If you experience any of these symptoms after eating meat, seek medical advice immediately to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
According to Reena Popatani, clinical dietitian at Fortis Hospital, Mulund, meat allergy involves a carbohydrate called alpha-gal (galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose). He revealed, “Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is a serious, potentially life-threatening allergic condition. Alpha-gal is found in meat (pork, beef, rabbit, lamb, venison). AGS is also called alpha-gal allergy, red meat allergy, or tick bite meat allergy. Alpha-Gal syndrome (AGS) is a collection of symptoms associated with IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reactions to the glycan galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-Gal).
Acquired red meat allergy is an allergy to certain types of meat caused by the bite of a lone star tick. Reena Popatani shares, “Typical symptoms of meat allergy manifest as hives/urticaria, itching/itching, nausea, angioedema (swelling of skin and tissue). This can gradually lead to stomach upset, diarrhea, stomach pain, runny nose, headache, drop in blood pressure, and sometimes anaphylaxis. Hypersensitivity reactions may develop in individuals 3 to 5 hours after eating the meat.
He added, “Reactions occur rapidly on pork kidney due to the high accessible alpha-gal content. Most alpha-gal allergy patients have reported hives and gastrointestinal symptoms after eating mammalian products. Symptoms of chicken allergy appear as a runny nose, sore throat or upset stomach as the body tries to get rid of the allergen. Anaphylaxis is one of the most serious complications of chicken allergy. “This is a serious systemic reaction and requires immediate medical attention.”
