The case, which was presented at the ACAAI\u2019s 2026 Annual Scientific Meeting held Nov. 12\u201316 in Phoenix, Arizona, involved a 15-year-old boy who developed “widespread hives,” wheezing and difficulty breathing after trying a new beverage.<\/p>\n
POPULAR DRINKS LINKED TO HEART ATTACKS, CARDIAC ARREST IN YOUNG ADULTS, STUDY FINDS<\/a><\/p>\n The teen was reportedly taken to the hospital, where he received two doses of epinephrine, albuterol \u2014 a medication<\/a> commonly used in rescue inhalers to help open the airways \u2014 an antihistamine and IV fluids. His symptoms resolved after treatment.<\/p>\n A 15-year-old boy (not pictured) developed “widespread hives,” wheezing and difficulty breathing after trying a new energy drink. (iStock)<\/p>\n A review of the drink\u2019s label revealed that it contained 5 grams of collagen derived from cod<\/a>.<\/p>\n According to the report, the teen reported mild throat itching and lip swelling when eating canned tuna, although he had eaten salmon without an issue. He also has eczema<\/a>, asthma and allergic rhinitis (commonly called hay fever).<\/p>\n WHY STACKING SUPPLEMENTS WITHOUT A BLOOD TEST FIRST CAN DO MORE HARM THAN GOOD<\/a><\/p>\n Despite the teen’s symptoms, a skin prick testing for tuna, cod and flounder allergy all returned negative.<\/p>\n These findings represent initial research presented at the ACAAI conference, and have not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal.<\/p>\n The teen received two doses of epinephrine, often administered as an EpiPen, as well as other treatments before his symptoms resolved. (iStock)<\/p>\n Allergist Annabelle Rowland, M.D., study author and ACAAI member based in Georgia, commented in a news release that this case shows “how tricky fish allergy can be.”<\/p>\n “Collagen from fish is showing up in a growing number of products, from drinks to supplements<\/a>,” she said. “Standard fish allergy tests mostly look for a different fish protein and contain very little collagen, so a person can test negative and still react.”<\/p>\n CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP<\/a><\/p>\n In a statement sent to Fox News Digital, a spokesperson for the Council for Responsible Nutrition in Washington, D.C., said that collagen ingredients can come from several animal sources, like fish, cattle and pigs.<\/p>\n “While collagen has been studied for potential benefits related to skin and joint health, consumers should consider their individual health needs<\/a> and sensitivities when choosing products,” they advised.<\/p>\n CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES<\/a><\/p>\n “Fish-derived collagen can pose an allergy risk<\/a> for people sensitive to fish, and processing or hydrolysis does not necessarily eliminate that risk.”<\/p>\n The spokesperson recommended those with fish allergies should carefully review product labels, which are required to identify major food allergens, such as fish. Consumers should also consult with their healthcare provider before considering these products.<\/p>\n Experts recommend that consumers with fish allergies carefully review product labels. (iStock)<\/p>\n “The case presented at ACAAI highlights the importance of allergen awareness, but a single suspected reaction does not establish how frequently such reactions occur,” they added.<\/p>\n “Product manufacturers are required by law to provide accurate ingredient information and major allergen disclosures so consumers can make informed choices.”<\/p>\n CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER<\/a><\/p>\n Sung Poblete, Ph.D., CEO of Virginia-based Food Allergy Research & Education, told Fox News Digital that fish collagen is increasingly being used in products like supplements, beverages<\/a> and wellness items.<\/p>\n “While many people with fish allergy avoid all finned fish, reactions can vary between individuals and between different fish-derived proteins,” she said. “So someone can be allergic to one type of fin fish and not another.”<\/p>\n “Consumers with fish allergy should look for fish-derived ingredients and the specific fish species on food, beverage and supplement labeling,” an expert advised. (iStock)<\/p>\n![\"Young](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/teen-boy-energy-drink.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Woman](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/woman-epinephrine-auto-injector-allergic-reaction.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Adolsent](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/1794634695_740_teen-buying-energy-drink.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Woman](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/woman-shopping-snakcs.jpg\")
<\/p>\n