15-year-old boy has life-threatening reaction to a new energy drink. Then doctors find a hidden ingredient his past allergy tests missed
A wake-up call
A 15-year-old boy recently faced a life-threatening medical emergency after consuming a new energy drink. This incident highlights a growing concern regarding hidden ingredients in common beverages. According to PEOPLE, the teen experienced severe anaphylaxis shortly after taking a few sips of the drink. He developed widespread hives and began wheezing as his airways started to swell. This situation was documented in a case study presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 2026 Annual Scientific Meeting.
Fox News reports that the case was presented at the conference held between November 12 and 16 in Phoenix, Arizona. Medical teams rushed the boy to the emergency room to receive urgent care. He required two doses of epinephrine to stabilize his condition.
Doctors also administered albuterol, an antihistamine, and intravenous fluids to stop the reaction. Albuterol is a medication often found in rescue inhalers that helps open up restricted airways.
The boy eventually recovered after intensive treatment
Investigators discovered that the drink contained 5 grams of collagen sourced from cod. This specific protein was not immediately obvious to the consumer. The teen had a history of eczema, asthma, and allergic rhinitis. He had previously noticed mild throat irritation and lip swelling after eating canned tuna.
However, he had consumed salmon in the past without any adverse effects. Because of these symptoms, he had undergone medical testing for allergies to tuna, cod, and flounder. Surprisingly, all of these skin prick tests returned negative results.
Experts explain that the issue lies in how allergy tests are designed. Traditional tests primarily look for proteins found in fish muscle. Collagen consists of a different type of protein entirely. This is why a person can test negative for a fish allergy and still experience a severe reaction to collagen. The case study suggests that standard tests often miss this specific sensitivity.
Dr. Annabelle Rowland is an allergist based in Georgia and an ACAAI member who authored the study. She noted that this incident shows “how tricky fish allergy can be.” She explained that collagen from fish is showing up in a growing number of products, from drinks to supplements. Dr. Rowland added that 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.
The Council for Responsible Nutrition provided further context
A spokesperson for the Council for Responsible Nutrition stated that collagen can come from various animal sources, including cattle, pigs, and fish. They advised that consumers should consider their individual health needs and sensitivities when choosing products. They also noted that fish-derived collagen can pose an allergy risk for people sensitive to fish, and processing or hydrolysis does not necessarily eliminate that risk.
Manufacturers are required by law to provide accurate ingredient information and major allergen disclosures. Consumers should always read labels and consult with a doctor before trying new supplements or beverages.
Sung Poblete, Ph.D., CEO of Food Allergy Research & Education, pointed out that fish collagen is appearing more often in wellness items, beverages, and various supplements. She stated that while many people with fish allergy avoid all finned fish, reactions can vary between individuals and between different fish-derived proteins. Poblete noted that someone can be allergic to one type of fin fish and not another.
Labels must identify the specific species of fish used in a product
According to the FDA, labels must identify the specific species of fish used in a product. Crustacean shellfish like shrimp, crab, and lobster also require specific identification. Poblete emphasized that for someone managing fish or shellfish allergy, “marine collagen” on a label calls for a closer look at the ingredient list and “contains” statement.
If the source still isn’t clear, FARE encourages people to call the manufacturer before using the product. It is wise to ask the manufacturer exactly what the collagen is made from and how the company tests for allergens. 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 comes back negative.
While this incident is a single report, it serves as a reminder of the importance of allergen awareness. Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate attention, and this case illustrates how hidden components can trigger such events unexpectedly.
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