Fig 1.

The risk and also severity of reactions in the α-Gal syndrome relates to the amount of the oligosaccharide that is present in food, drugs or other therapeutics. The route of administration is relevant to the speed at which reactions occur, i.e. – intravenous administration is associated with rapid reactions whereas oral ingestion has delayed onset. Co-factors such as NSAIDS, exercise and alcohol can be additional risk modifiers. This schematic reflects clinical experience, as well as challenge studies and laboratory investigations.