15-Year-Old Suffers Anaphylaxis From Energy Drink With 5 Grams of Cod Collagen

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Nov 13

A 15-year-old boy was hospitalized after developing hives, wheezing and breathing trouble shortly after trying a new energy drink; doctors treated him with two doses of epinephrine, albuterol, an antihistamine and IV fluids.
The drink’s label showed 5 grams of cod-derived collagen, which researchers linked to the reaction presented at the ACAAI’s annual meeting in Phoenix.
Skin-prick tests for tuna, cod and flounder were negative, but the case author said standard fish-allergy tests focus on other proteins and may miss collagen-triggered reactions.
Allergy experts said fish collagen is appearing more often in drinks, supplements and wellness products, urging consumers with fish allergies to check labels for fish species and contact manufacturers if the source is unclear.
The report is an initial conference case study, not yet peer-reviewed, and experts said a single reaction does not show how common such events are.