Alpha-gal syndrome

Heard in 2 episodes across 1 show since Jul 2026

Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), also known as red meat allergy or mammalian meat allergy, is an acquired allergy to the carbohydrate molecule galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose. The condition is typically triggered by the bite of certain tick species, such as the lone star tick, which sensitizes the immune system to the carbohydrate. Symptoms can range from mild hives to life-threatening anaphylaxis, typically occurring two to eight hours after consuming mammalian meat or products containing alpha-gal.