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Alpha-gal syndrome is a type of food allergy that develops after getting bitten by a tick. It causes allergic reactions to red meat and products made with it.

A note from Cleveland ClinicHaving alpha-gal syndrome isn’t just about passing on burgers and steaks. Like all food allergies, there might be a wide range of products you need to avoid. While you have to be cautious, most people with AGS don’t have a reaction to every product that could contain alpha-gal. And for some, their symptoms get better within a few years. Your healthcare provider can help you know which foods to avoid and what to expect in your specific situation.Experts You Can TrustMedically Reviewed.Last updated on 09/11/2025.Learn more about the Health Library and our editorial process.ReferencesCleveland Clinic’s health articles are based on evidence-backed information and review by medical professionals to ensure accuracy, reliability and up-to-date clinical standards.Experts You Can TrustMedically Reviewed.Last updated on 09/11/2025.ReferencesCleveland Clinic’s health articles are based on evidence-backed information and review by medical professionals to ensure accuracy, reliability and up-to-date clinical standards.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Alpha-gal and Red Meat Allergy (https://www.aaaai.org/tools-for-the-public/conditions-library/allergies/alpha-gal-and-red-meat-allergy). Updated 5/15/2025. Accessed 9/11/2025.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.). About Alpha-gal Syndrome (https://www.cdc.gov/alpha-gal-syndrome/about/index.html). Updated 6/26/2025. Accessed 9/11/2025.Lesmana E, Rao S, Keehn A, Edwinson AL, Makol A, Grover M. Clinical Presentation and Outcomes of Alpha-Gal Syndrome (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39067555/). Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2025 Jan;23(1):69-78. Accessed 9/11/2025.Platts-Mills TAE, Li RC, Keshavarz B, Smith AR, Wilson JM. Diagnosis and Management of Patients with the α-Gal Syndrome (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31568928/). J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2020 Jan;8(1):15-23.e1. Accessed 9/11/2025.Ünal D, Eyice-Karabacak D, Kutlu A, et al. Oral immunotherapy in alpha-gal red meat allergy: Could specific IgE be a potential biomarker in monitoring management? (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37545316/) Allergy. 2023 Dec;78(12):3241-3251. Accessed 9/11/2025.

Alpha-gal Syndrome: Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment