The allergy, called alpha-gal syndrome, came to light a little over a decade ago.

5 points

The interesting part:

> > > But, in recent years, researchers have also discovered that alpha-gal is in tick saliva. And, for reasons researchers still haven’t worked out, some people bitten by ticks develop a type of antibody called anti-alpha-gal IgE. This antibody may help protect people from tick bites, but it also renders them allergic to anything with alpha-gal—i.e., mammalian meat and animal products. It’s a double-edged sword that has been hypothesized to be an “allergic klendusity.” > >

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4 points

PETA Bioweaponry!

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4 points

I found a chart from Alpha-Gal Information that lists the products that those with alpha-gal syndrome might have allergic reactions to; of note is that some have reactions to gelatin, which is present in many medicines including gel-caps.

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2 points

Ok… So involuntary vegetarian…

Idk, sound like not the worst thing.

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8 points

I mean, it’s probably not a particularly fun experience to only find out that you have this allergy after you almost fucking die eight hours after getting a vaccine with trace amounts of alpha-gal in it, in severe cases.

As the disease rises in prominence, I reckon we’ll start to see at-home tests. I certainly hope that happens.

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1 point

If it would only be meat, sure. Unpleasant but manageable. But the animal products can be a problem. They not only put you very close to the most hard-core of vegans diet plan, they additionally mess with medical treatment available to you.

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1 point
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Even as a vegan, I’ll say, robbing folks of autonomy over food is truly awful. Food holds deep cultural and psychological meanings.

I’d take a few folks eating meat less regularly (willingly, and seeing value in it) over any number of folks forced into vegetarianism.

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2 points

ouch. the gelatin is tough nutrition wise.

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