Food Intolerance Test

Food intolerance or sensitivity means the body struggles to digest certain foods, leading to delayed symptoms like bloating, stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting. The Food Intolerance Test detects Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies linked to specific foods, such as gluten, to identify potential triggers.

In contrast, a food allergy involves an immediate immune response through immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, causing rapid symptoms like itching, hives, swelling, or even life-threatening anaphylaxis. While both involve the immune system, IgG reactions are slower and digestion-related, whereas IgE reactions are sudden and systemic. Knowing the difference aids in accurate diagnosis and proper management.

Note: This test checks for IgG-linked Food Intolerances, not IgE-mediated allergies. If you experience sudden allergic reactions (e.g., swelling or difficulty breathing), consult a doctor for allergy testing.

Food intolerance means you may be able to eat small amounts of food, but larger portions can cause issues like bloating, nausea, diarrhea, or constipation. It can be due to a lack of enzymes needed to digest certain foods, or sometimes, as a reaction to additives or naturally occurring compounds in foods. Your body mistakes these food products as a threat and produces IgG antibodies which can result in inflammation and discomfort in the stomach. This often happens because of damage to the gut lining, causing inflammation and poor digestion. IgG antibodies may show up hours or even days after eating the food. It can lead to delayed symptoms like tiredness, headaches, or inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS).

The Food Intolerance Test checks IgG antibodies against various food items to help spot the trigger foods. But high IgG levels alone do not indicate intolerance. Doctors and nutrition experts may consider your symptoms, medical history, and test results together to recommend dietary changes and formulate a personalized treatment plan.

Food intolerance is not the same as a food allergy. While food allergy is IgE mediated and used to diagnose true allergies and immediate allergic reactions. Food intolerance is IgG mediated and used to identify food sensitivities and chronic exposure to antigens. Food allergies involve the immune system and can be life-threatening, whereas food intolerances usually involve the digestive system and are not life-threatening.

You may need the Food Intolerance Test if you experience symptoms like bloating, nausea, or stomach discomfort after eating certain foods, or if you have a family history of food intolerance. This test helps find specific food sensitivities by detecting IgG antibodies. It helps your doctor or dietitian create a diet plan that suits your body.

Managing food intolerance usually means avoiding trigger foods, using safe alternatives, and sometimes taking enzyme supplements. You can try an elimination diet by avoiding some foods and then reintroducing them one by one to check which ones cause symptoms. These steps should always be done with the help of a dietitian or nutrition expert to make sure you stay healthy and manage your symptoms well.

No special preparation is needed for this test. Follow your doctor's instructions closely. Also, inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you are on, as they might affect the test results. 

Lab test results may vary across different laboratories. Abnormal test results require an expert interpretation; therefore, never try to self-medicate at home based solely on these results, and always consult a doctor for a proper understanding of the test results.

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