Energy Drink Triggers Teen Allergic Reaction
A 15-year-old boy experienced anaphylaxis after drinking an energy drink containing fish collagen, a case presented at an allergy scientific meeting.
Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Allergies
A 15-year-old boy developed hives, wheezing and difficulty breathing within minutes of drinking an energy drink containing five grams of fish collagen derived from cod. He received two shots of epinephrine and other anti-allergy medications at an emergency allergy clinic, and his symptoms eased after treatment.
Why it matters
The case suggests that fish-derived ingredients in consumer products can trigger severe reactions even in people who have eaten fish before. It highlights that ingredient labels may be an important clue for allergists investigating unexplained anaphylaxis.
The boy's skin prick test for tuna, cod and flounder was negative, while he had earlier reactions to canned tuna including an itchy throat and mild lip swelling. Whether the collagen protein in cod is the trigger remains unconfirmed pending further testing.
The players
Annabelle Rowland
Rowland presented the case report on the energy drink reaction at the ACAAI annual scientific meeting.
The details
The boy had never tried the energy drink before and denied exercise or NSAID use on the day of the reaction, which led clinicians to attribute the episode to the drink. He has a history of eczema, asthma, hay fever and idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis, and he had eaten salmon previously without problems.
Timeline
Case report presented at the ACAAI annual scientific meeting on November 12, 2026.
Health Landscape
Fish allergies are caused in about 95% of cases by parvalbumin, a protein that is heat-stable and well known to allergists. This case points to collagen, a protein not previously central to fish allergy, as a possible additional trigger that clinicians may need to consider.
People with fish allergies or unexplained reactions after eating or drinking may want to check product labels for fish-derived collagen. Anyone who develops hives, wheezing or breathing difficulty after consuming a product should seek emergency care.
The takeaway
Ingredient labels can reveal hidden sources of allergens such as fish collagen, and reporting unusual reactions helps clinicians recognize emerging patterns. Keep a record of any product consumed before an allergic episode and share it with your allergist.
Further reading
For more on food-related reactions, explore Allergies coverage.
