Food IgG Intolerance Testing
A food allergy is an immune reaction that results in the production of IgE antibodies. The reactions are usually immediate and symptoms can range from rashes, swelling, violent sickness, difficulty breathing and anaphylactic shock.
Food intolerances that are immune related result in the production of IgG antibodies and symptoms are usually not as severe and may not appear for several days.
With a food allergy, it is important to continue avoiding that food, regardless of the test results obtained in the Food IgG Intolerance Test.
This advice also applies if the patient has been diagnosed with Celiac disease or any other food related conditions such as lactose intolerance.
The Importance of Testing
The prevalence of IgG mediated Food intolerances are believed to impact 5 – 20% of the population, even as high as 50% in studies in certain diseases, such as IBS. IgG antibodies are the main line of acquired defence and the body’s specific response to pathogens. In normal conditions, the digestive system does not allow food particles to pass through, but when there is damage, small fragments of partially digested or undigested food particles pass into the bloodstream. The particles are recognized by the immune system as pathogenic or foreign and activate the production of specific IgG antibodies. The food particles (antigens) combine with the specific IgG antibodies to create antigen-antibody immune complexes. Normally these are removed by the immune system, but if the immune system becomes overloaded or compromised, the IgG antibody-antigen complexes circulate in the bloodstream and can accumulate in joints and organs causing chronic inflammation and subsequent production of symptoms. These symptoms can take days to months to manifest; therefore, it is difficult to identify the offending foods. Food sensitivities, if not treated, can have a significant impact on the quality of life of patients and their families.
Screening
The Food specific IgG Intolerance test detects antibodies to over 220 foods, identifying the common culprits and providing valuable information on the unexpected intolerance. The test is performed using the ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) method. The extracts of the foods used for testing are prepared in a qualified laboratory. Positive and negative controls are run with each patient sample and each food is tested in duplicate, providing accurate results you can trust.
How To Take A Sample
CanAlt will provide a kit that contains everything you need to collect the sample. Instructions will be provided on how to perform a simple prick of the finger, placing a few drops onto a blood collection card, labelling and returning the sample in a prepaid envelope.