Teen Gets Anaphylaxis From Energy Drink

Key Points:

• A 15-year-old boy experienced anaphylaxis after consuming an energy drink containing fish collagen derived from cod, revealing an unusual allergy to fish collagen rather than the more common fish protein parvalbumin.
• The boy had a history of eczema, asthma, hay fever, and idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis, but had previously tolerated salmon and tested negative for allergies to tuna, cod, and flounder via skin prick tests.
• The case highlights the complexity of fish allergies, especially since fish collagen is increasingly used in various products, and standard allergy tests often do not detect collagen-specific allergies.
• Physicians are advised to consider fish collagen allergy in patients with unexplained allergic reactions, as these allergies may be underdiagnosed due to limitations in current testing methods.
• The report was presented by Dr. Annabelle Rowland at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) annual meeting, emphasizing the need for awareness of emerging allergen sources in food and drink products.