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Posted on Jun 18, 2018, 8 p.m.
Sensitivity to an allergen found within red meat has been linked to buildup of plaque in heart arteries. Saturated fats in red meat are known to contribute to heart disease this new finding suggests a subgroup of the population may be at increased risk due to food allergens, as published in the peer reviewed journal of the American Heart Association ~ Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology.
Estimates are that this could affect 1% of the population in some areas, people who develop blood antibodies to the red meat allergen without having full-out symptoms may be as much as 20% of the population in some areas according to the researchers, however numbers of people with possible red meat allergies is unclear as this is a novel finding.
Galactose-a-1, 3-galactose, or alpha-Gal has been identified as the main allergen in red meat, a type of complex sugar. The Lone Star tick can sensitize people to this allergen after getting bitten by it, which is why red meat allergies are more common in areas where the tick is more common such as Southeastern USA but extends in to other areas including New York.
Researchers have suspected allergens may trigger certain immunological changes that may be associated with plaque build up and artery blockages, but a specific substance had not been identified. In what may be the first time it has been shown that a specific blood marker for red meat allergy was associated with increased levels of arterial plaque, or fatty deposits on the inner lining of heart arteries. Blood marker identified was immunoglobulin IgE specific to alpha-Gal allergen.
Blood samples from 118 adults were analyzed to detect antibodies indicating red meat sensitivity which was found in 26% of the samples. Using imaging techniques it was found that the quantity of plaque was 30% higher on alpha-Gal sensitized patients, these plaques are hallmark of atherosclerosis, and tended to be more structurally unstable meaning they have increased likelihood of causing stroke or heart attack.
While the work providing evidence for the red meat allergen and coronary artery disease is preliminary researchers have noted plans to conduct additional detailed animal and human studies to confirm initial findings.
The only treatment currently available for red meat allergy is strict avoidance of red meats once diagnosed. It is recommended to follow current heart healthy lifestyles and adapt a healthy diet which includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other healthy foods including lean red meats for those not allergic. Other heart healthy lifestyle changes can include managing stress, quitting smoking, and getting more physical activity.
Materials provided by NIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.
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