Allergic to red meat?

Yes, it is indeed possible. What’s more, in 80% of cases, this rare allergy is caused by a tick bite!

In the United States, Amblyomma americanum, or the "lone star tick", is behind this phenomenon. In Europe, another tick - Ixodes ricinus – is believed to cause the same issues.

When a tick bites, it injects an alpha-gal, a protein found in red meat. Our body remembers this attack and later identifies this protein as a foreign body it needs to eradicate, hence the allergic reaction.

These reactions can manifest as various symptoms, from a rash to anaphylactic shock. According to a study published in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology last June, they can even cause heart attacks, so as soon as symptoms are noticed it’s important to get checked out!