Invention:
This invention addresses a growing need for alpha-gal-free milk, designed to aid individuals with Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS). AGS is triggered by the ingestion of alpha-galactose (aGal), a carbohydrate found in red meat and, in some cases, dairy products. While not all AGS patients react to dairy, avoiding its consumption completely is often recommended to prevent symptom progression. This method preprocesses milk using an enzyme to remove aGal effectively, resulting in a product suitable for AGS patients without sacrificing the nutritional benefits of milk. This innovative approach not only reduces the immunoreactivity of aGal in milk but also ensures the process is cost-effective, leveraging an enzyme already available as a supplement. This method provides a potential breakthrough for AGS patients, expanding safe dietary options and contributing to improved quality of life.
Background:
This technology addresses the challenge faced by individuals with Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), a condition triggered by consuming alpha-galactose (aGal) which is found in red meat and dairy products. AGS can cause severe allergic reactions, leading to recommendations that all AGS patients avoid dairy, despite only 10-20% being affected by it. Currently, the only effective strategy for these individuals is complete dietary avoidance of foods containing aGal, limiting their access to essential nutrients found in dairy products. This restriction impacts quality of life and nutritional intake, as there are no widely available dairy alternatives that ensure alpha-gal is eliminated. Unlike general lactose-free or dairy-free products, this innovation offers a solution by enzymatically processing milk to remove aGal, allowing AGS patients to safely consume dairy without the risk of triggering allergic reactions. This innovative approach offers a new dietary option, bridging a critical gap in AGS dietary management.
Applications:
- Medical nutrition
- Food processing
- Allergy management
Advantages:
- Provides safe dairy options for Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) patients
- Allows AGS patients to enjoy nutritional benefits of milk without allergic risks
- Reduces dietary restrictions and improves quality of life
