This blog addresses a topic that affects many people: chicken intolerance. Many people cannot eat chicken because they are allergic to this meat or cannot tolerate it.

But what exactly are the symptoms of chicken intolerance, and what alternatives are there to chicken? In this blog, we will answer the most important questions about chicken intolerance. We provide tips on how to eat healthily and balanced despite chicken intolerance and introduce alternative protein sources. If you suffer from chicken intolerance or are simply interested in health topics, then you are in the right place!

Causes of Chicken Meat Allergies

Chicken meat is considered healthy and is very commonly eaten in Germany. However, for some people, it can cause a food allergy or intolerance. Chicken meat allergies are caused by certain molecules whose identification was unknown for a long time. A primary chicken meat allergy arises from consuming the meat and leads to the formation of specific antibodies upon contact with the mucous membranes and digestive tract. A secondary chicken meat allergy is triggered by contact with other components of the chicken or chicken eggs.

Distinction Between Primary and Secondary Allergy

There are two different types of chicken meat allergy: primary and secondary. The primary form is a true type I food allergy to a protein in poultry meat. Sensitization occurs through food intake.

The secondary form occurs due to cross-reactions with other allergens, for example, sensitization through bird droppings or feathers. Distinguishing between these two types is important because the treatment may differ.

Scientists from Vienna and Madrid have studied and characterized the allergens in chicken meat. They were able to identify the molecules responsible for allergies. Until now, it was not clear which components of chicken meat could trigger allergic reactions. Identifying these allergens is an important step to better help people with chicken meat allergies.

Symptoms of Chicken Meat Allergies

Symptoms of chicken meat allergies can vary and range from mild to severe. Typical symptoms include itching, skin rash, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, breathing difficulties, facial swelling, and other life-threatening symptoms can occur. Allergy sufferers should be cautious when consuming chicken meat and seek medical advice if necessary to avoid a possible allergic reaction.

Typical symptoms that can also occur with chicken intolerance include:

• Pressure sensation in the upper abdomen

• Bloating

• Fatigue or exhaustion

• Redness or itching in the mouth and throat area

• Fullness and diarrhea

In such cases, it is usually not an IgE-mediated allergy but a chicken intolerance where the immune system is not involved. The body cannot optimally process certain proteins or components of the meat, leading to delayed symptoms.

Frequency of Chicken Meat Allergies

Chicken meat allergies are rare but can cause severe symptoms. It is estimated that between 0.6 and 5 percent of all food allergy sufferers react to the consumption of chicken meat. However, the exact numbers are unknown. A chicken meat allergy can be primary or secondary, depending on whether the allergen is ingested directly through the meat or indirectly through other chicken components. Those affected should consult an allergist for diagnosis and treatment.

To diagnose a chicken meat allergy, a skin allergy test is often performed. A small amount of the allergen is applied to the skin to trigger an allergic reaction. A blood test can also be done to check for specific IgE antibodies responsible for allergic reactions to chicken meat. In some cases, an elimination diet must be carried out to determine the specific chicken substances to which a person is allergic.

In other cases, the symptoms cannot be clearly attributed to an allergy. If intolerance to chicken is suspected, a home intolerance test using a hair sample can provide further insights. This test analyzes possible reactions to specific proteins or components of chicken that are not IgE-mediated but can still cause digestive or skin complaints.

Treatment of Chicken Meat Allergies

There are various treatment options for people with chicken meat allergies. One option is taking antihistamines to relieve allergic symptoms such as skin rashes, breathing difficulties, or gastrointestinal complaints. In severe cases, desensitization therapy may be considered, where the body is gradually accustomed to the allergen. The only effective prevention is avoiding chicken meat and other chicken egg products.

For people suffering from chicken intolerance, it is important to implement certain avoidance strategies. For example, consumption of chicken meat, eggs, and products made from chicken feathers should be avoided. Instead, alternatives such as beef or pork, fish, or tofu can be consumed. When cooking and eating outside the home, affected individuals should also ensure that no chicken products are included.

Additionally, if nutrient deficiencies are suspected due to chicken intolerance, a personalized micronutrient analysis is recommended. This can help detect possible deficits early and specifically compensate for them—for example, through individualized nutrient mixes.

Connections with Other Allergies

Chicken intolerance is often associated with other allergies. For example, people allergic to house dust mites may also be sensitive to certain proteins in chicken. A similar phenomenon occurs with an allergy to the pet protein albumin, which is also found in chicken. It is also possible that an allergic reaction to chicken is related to a corn allergy, as many chicken feeds contain corn. Cross-reactions within the group of gallinaceous birds, e.g., with partridge, cannot be ruled out either.

Uncertainties about the cause of symptoms can be clarified with a self-test using a hair sample. This covers numerous intolerances—not only to poultry but also to feed residues, additives, and other food components.