Science-led food sensitivity tests
THESCIENCE
With a heritage of over 35 years, we design, develop, manufacture and supply food sensitivity test kits, to a global audience.
Understanding the science behind IgG-mediated food sensitivities
Our diagnostic tests help identify food sensitivities that may be contributing to ongoing health concerns by accurately identifying dietary and lifestyle changes that can significantly improve long-term health and wellbeing.
Using only a few drops of blood, our technology measures an individual’s unique food sensitivity reactions to a wide range of foods, allowing healthcare practitioners and patients to adjust and plan a new diet and address IgG-mediated food sensitivities.
The role of IgG antibodies and gut health
Scientific studies have associated elevated levels of food IgG antibodies with increased intestinal permeability and disruption to the gut barrier wall in some chronic conditions such as IBS and migraine. The development of food IgG antibodies promotes an inflammatory immune response which can result in the presentation of symptoms such as bloating, nausea, diarrhoea or constipation, headaches and fatigue.
Food sensitivity is a delayed-onset immune reaction to certain foods. Often foods we include in our diet or crave may be the ones causing us a problem. Poor gut health appears to be a factor in the development of food sensitivities.
Evidence for IgG-based dietary interventions
The benefits of a diet based upon IgG food sensitivity testing have been demonstrated in a number of conditions, both in independent studies and clinical practice. Excellent results in terms of symptom improvement and quality of life scores have been obtained, particularly in patients with migraine, IBS and obesity.
Research has shown that food sensitivity can be linked to IgG antibodies produced when these ‘problem’ foods are eaten. Normally these antibodies do not have any ill effects, but if the immune or digestive system is not working optimally, their presence may provoke a wide range of symptoms and impact on health and wellbeing.
IgG food sensitivity testing and terminology
There is ongoing debate within the scientific community regarding the terminology used to describe IgG-mediated food sensitivity testing. Terms such as IgG food sensitivity, IgG food intolerance and type III hypersensitivity are often used interchangeably, contributing to confusion among both healthcare professionals and the public.
Our tests are not designed to diagnose IgE-mediated food allergies, which are responsible for immediate allergic reactions, nor do they identify enzyme-related food intolerances such as lactose intolerance. IgG-mediated responses are typically slower to develop and can be harder to identify without support.
Distinguishing food sensitivity from food allergies
| Food Allergy IgE Type I Allergy | Food Sensitivity IgG Type III Allergy | Food Intolerance Non immune-mediated | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Involves the immune system | Yes | Yes | No |
| Common symptoms | Hives, itchy eyes, swelling of lips/tongue, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, anaphylaxis | Migraines/headaches, IBS (diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, flatulence, stomach cramps, lethargy) | Gastrointestinal symptoms, hives, itchy eyes, facial swelling (dependent on specific enzyme deficiency) |
| Speed of reactions | Immediate (within 2 hours) | Usually 24-72 hours | Within 30 minutes to 2 hours |
| Severity of symptoms | Can be potentially life threatening | Can be potentially debilitating and chronic | Mild to severe |
| Mechanism of action | IgE antibody stimulation of histamine production | IgG antibody/antigen complex formation and complement activation | Enzyme deficiency/insufficiency |
| Lifelong condition | Yes | No | Yes |
| Examples | Peanut, shellfish | Lactose intolerance, histamine intolerance |
Chat IgG with Dr Nigel Abraham
What is an IgG response?
Further reading
Scientific papers
Want to dive deeper… into the science?
There has been a lot of scientific research into food sensitivity and food intolerance testing. Whilst we believe the FoodPrint test to be the best food sensitivity test available, the science that underpins food sensitivity tests is both widespread and recognised globally.
Want to dive a little deeper…?
