Combining a hs-CRP test with a FoodPrint test can be a great tool to monitor the success of the recommended IgG elimination diet. We suggest an initial baseline test and a second test 3 months after dietary intervention strategies have been implemented. A reduced second test score may help to indicate the success of the recommended treatment protocol and help to motivate an individual to continue to follow the implemented lifestyle changes.
If the score remains high, or increases, a general practitioner referral may be suggested to establish the cause.
Please see FoodPrint 200 and hs-CRP for specific questions about each test.
Our existing policy for a lower age limit on testing for IgG food antibodies is that we do not recommend testing on children under the age of 2 years.
We base this on the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition Guidelines for the Diagnosis of Coeliac Disease 2012, which states that there is a possibility of false negative results occurring in infants younger than 2 years of age. This related to the fact that the infant gut is more permeable than that of an adult coupled with immature mucosal immunity that is still in the learning and development stage.
We have used this criterion as antibody measurements in Coeliac Disease are comparable to food IgG measurements used in our food sensitivity tests.
However, we are aware that there are in fact no published guidelines that specifically indicate a minimum age for testing for such IgG antibodies, for example the guidelines for testing for coeliac antibodies indicate that such testing can be performed any time after the introduction of gluten into the diet.
Therefore, where such requests are received from a statutory regulated professional the decision of when and what tests to perform will remain the responsibility of the requesting clinician.
Antibody Therapy, Immunosuppressant, Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy.
This test is not suitable for anyone undergoing treatment for cancer or taking biologic drugs or other immunosuppressants.
In general, we recommend that you follow your normal diet, so that the test will reflect what you usually eat. However, if you have specifically avoided a food, which you are not allergic to, for more than three months e.g., cow's milk, which used to be part of your normal diet and you would like it tested, we would recommend it is reintroduced. The recommendations are to reintroduce the food for 1 week eating a normal portion of that food at least once daily before taking your blood sample. If symptoms occur once the food is re-introduced, we recommend that you discontinue that food and conclude you are still sensitive to it.
NB: If you have a known allergy to any food, coeliac disease or any food intolerance do not reintroduce this food into your diet. Food sensitivity tests do not identify IgE-mediated food allergies or provide information about coeliac disease, enzyme deficiencies such as lactose, histamine, tyramine or alcohol intolerance or indeed other chemical sensitivities, such as reactions to certain food additives.
It is important to differentiate a food sensitivity (IgG) and a food allergy (IgE).
A classic food allergy, such as a peanut or shellfish allergy, is usually characterised by an immediate and often severe reaction upon exposure to the offending food. Symptoms include sneezing, rashes, skin irritation, swelling of mucosal tissue and fatigue and could potentially be life threatening. Such allergic reactions usually involve IgE antibodies.
Food sensitivity tends to be characterised by a delayed onset of symptoms and often involves the production of IgG antibodies which can lead to the formation of immune complexes and release of inflammatory markers. Symptoms may occur several days after eating the offending food, making it difficult to identify the cause.
If the response to food and drink is immediate, please refer to your doctor or Allergy specialist to rule out a suspected allergy.