For years, doctors and scientists have been puzzling over the cause of the wide range of symptoms found in soldiers returning from the first Gulf War.

Chemical warfare agents, particularly nerve gas, as well as post-traumatic stress disorder, smoke from oil well fires, pesticides, depleted uranium weapons, and exposure to solvents and corrosive liquids, have all been investigated, but no convincing links were found.

So what else could be responsible for Gulf War syndrome? According to researchers at Johns Hopkins University, an allergy to beef is to blame. It's suggested that when soldiers were immunised against various bugs and toxins before and during the conflict, they may have accidentally acquired an allergy to burgers and steaks. Beef products used in the preparation of the vaccines may have sensitised the troops to beef protein.

So, when they went back home and were again exposed to burgers, steaks and other beef products, they developed the classic symptoms of Gulf War syndrome: fatigue, rashes, muscle and joint pains, headache, loss of memory, shortness of breath, and stomach and breathing problems.

Gulf War syndrome is a significant health problem. At least 12 per cent of Gulf War veterans are now receiving some form of disability compensation.