World

Severe allergic reaction after sipping energy drink traced to unexpected source

According to a report by the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), a teen experienced a severe allergic reaction from an energy drink.

✦ Extractive summary — built from the sources' own reporting•From 1 source•1 min read•Updated November 13, 2026, 9:38 PM UTC
Key points
  • TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ "This case offers a timely reminder to read every label, including on drinks and supplements, and talk with an allergist about any reaction, even if a test came back negative," Poblete added.
  • "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.
  • "So someone can be allergic to one type of fin fish and not another." Poblete added that labels must identify the species of fish.

Anaphylaxis – a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction – is usually tied to peanuts or shellfish, but a recent case has brought up a new concern.

Additional details
  • POPULAR DRINKS LINKED TO HEART ATTACKS, CARDIAC ARREST IN YOUNG ADULTS, STUDY FINDS The teen was reportedly taken to the hospital, where he received two doses of epinephrine, albuterol — a medication commonly used in rescue inhalers to help open the airways — an antihistamine and IV fluids.
  • 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." "Collagen from fish is showing up in a growing number of products, from drinks to supplements," she said.
  • "While collagen has been studied for potential benefits related to skin and joint health, consumers should consider their individual health needs and sensitivities when choosing products," they advised.
  • WHY STACKING SUPPLEMENTS WITHOUT A BLOOD TEST FIRST CAN DO MORE HARM THAN GOOD Despite the teen's symptoms, a skin prick testing for tuna, cod and flounder allergy all returned negative.
  • A review of the drink’s label revealed that it contained 5 grams of collagen derived from cod.

How this summary was made: extractive summary — built from the sources' own reporting. It is drawn only from the reporting of the sources listed below — read the originals for full detail. How we summarize →

Advertisement

Every article behind this summary — 1 article from 1 outlet