What is Alpha-gal Syndrome?
Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is an allergy to a sugar molecule called galactose-a-1,3-galactose, or alpha-gal. It can develop after a tick bite and may cause reactions to red meat and, for some people, other products made from mammal-derived ingredients like gelatin and lanolin-derived ingredients like vitamin D3. Some highly-sensitive individuals may even react to algae-derived ingredients including algal omega-3 products and algal vitamin D products, which may also naturally contain alpha-gal. Reactions vary in severity, up to and including anaphylaxis, and often begin within hours after exposure.
What Is Lanolin?
Lanolin is a wax obtained from sheep’s wool. It can be used as a starting material for the manufacture of vitamin D3, also known as cholecalciferol. Because lanolin comes from a mammal, people with AGS may have questions about products containing lanolin-derived ingredients.
The extent to which processing removes alpha-gal from lanolin-derived vitamin D3 has not been established.
Vitamin D3 in Carlson Products
The vitamin D3 found in most Carlson products (including virtually all cod liver oil products) is derived from lanolin amongst other sources, and may contain traces of alpha-gal. Additionally, Carlson’s Plant-Based Super Daily D3 and Vegetarian DHA products may also contain alpha-gal derived from algae.
If You Have Alpha-Gal Syndrome
People with AGS can have different sensitivities and may not react to every product containing mammal-derived or algae-derived ingredients. Ask your healthcare provider which ingredients and products you should avoid. For questions about the vitamin D3 source in a specific Carlson product, contact us with the product name and lot number. Please note that raw material sources may vary without direct indication on product labels.