Science

The supply life service utilizes state-of-the-art immunoassay microarray technology to detect food-specific IgG antibodies to 220 different foods.

How does the test work?

How does the test work?

Food extracts are 'printed' onto nitrocellulose 'pads'™ on a glass microscope slide, together with calibration standards and controls.

A blood sample provided by the patient is diluted and dispensed onto each printed microarray. Food IgG antibodies, if present, bind to the food extracts, and the results are measured by a high-resolution scanner before being calibrated against the standards using the reporting software to give quantitative results.

This software then produces a tailor-made printout of the final food IgG antibody result for each food on the requested food panel.

Why do foods cause an IgG response?

Generally, foods are broken down during digestion into their component parts, e.g., amino acids, glycerides, etc.

These pass harmlessly through the gut into the bloodstream. However, occasionally small fragments of partially digested or undigested foods are able to enter the bloodstream through the gut wall, where they are recognized by the immune system as being 'foreign.'

The immune system responds by making IgG antibodies to these foods.

Do high IgG antibody levels cause symptoms?

When a food causes the body to produce high levels of IgG, these antibodies combine with the protein in the food to form an 'antigen-antibody complex.'

These complexes are usually eliminated by other cells in the immune system. However, if the immune system is overloaded, these insoluble molecules become deposited in tissues within the body, causing chronic inflammation and the subsequent production of symptoms.

Why test for IgG antibodies to foods?

The efficacy of a diet based on the measurement of IgG antibodies specific for food components has been demonstrated in a number of conditions, both in independent studies and clinical practice.

Excellent results have been obtained in patients with bloating, stomach discomfort, and unwanted weight.

What is an IgG?

IgG stands for Immunoglobulin (type G). Immunoglobulins are a class of proteins that function as antibodies produced by the immune system in response to foreign bodies entering the body.

There are several different types of immunoglobulins, with IgA, IgE, IgG, and IgM being the most well-known.

Is it possible to have high IgG levels and not experience symptoms?

Yes, some people do have high IgG levels to certain foods but do not have any symptoms at all. This is most likely due to their immune system being extremely efficient at clearing away the antigen-antibody complexes before they have a chance to be deposited in the tissues and cause a problem.

University of York Study

A survey, commissioned by Allergy UK, was carried out with 5,286 people reporting a wide range of chronic symptoms, who had taken the scientific name – a food-specific IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) blood test.

Questionnaires were analyzed by the University of York Centre for Health Economics to investigate the benefits experienced by following the elimination diet.

Main condition reported
% of people who reported a benefit
Gastrointestinal e.g. Stomach Discomfort, Bloating etc.
80%
Respiratory e.g. Asthma, Sinusitis, Rhinitis
72%
Dermatological e.g. Eczema, Acne, Psoriasis
76%
Musculoskeletal e.g. Arthritis, Joint Aches & Pains
64%
Psychological e.g. Depression, Anxiety
81%
Others e.g. Lethargy, General feeling of Malaise
79%

Need some help?

Speak with one of our clinicians and get personalized advice. Monday to Friday, 9 AM - 4:30 PM EST.

GET IN TOUCH

Unlock your full potential today

Get your easy to use food sensitivity assessment today

SHOP NOW