Food Allergy Test Overview

Food intolerance is a condition in which the body cannot properly digest certain foods. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including allergies, sensitivities, and food poisoning. Many people mistakenly believe that they have food intolerances based on vague symptoms such as diarrhea or bloating. Food intolerance testing is an important way to screenings for other conditions such as celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Testing can also help identify specific foods that may cause problems for some individuals.

The Food Intolerance Test (Specific IgG for 150+ Foods) measures the amount of Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies in your blood for a wide range of 150 foods. This test is used to identify potential food sensitivities that may be causing chronic symptoms like digestive issues, fatigue, headaches, or skin problems. These symptoms can appear hours or even days after consuming the food you’re sensitive to. By identifying these potential triggers, the test can help develop an elimination diet to see if symptoms improve when certain foods are removed.

Written by: Dr. Jasmin Surana, MD Biochemistry

Reasons for Undergoing the Food Allergy Test

A food intolerance test can offer valuable insights into your digestive health and overall well-being. There are several compelling reasons to consider undergoing this test:

• Identify trigger foods: A food intolerance test helps pinpoint specific foods that may be causing adverse reactions, such as digestive issues, skin problems, headaches, or joint pains.
• Distinguish Between Allergy and Intolerance: The test differentiates between food allergies and intolerances, which involve different biological mechanisms and require distinct treatment approaches.
• Manage Symptoms: By identifying problematic foods, you can avoid them and effectively manage symptoms like nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, gas, and other digestive discomforts.
• Family History and Other Allergies: If you have a family history of food intolerances or allergies or if you suffer from other allergic conditions like eczema or hay fever, a food intolerance test can be particularly beneficial.

List of Parameters Considered During the Food Allergy Test

The specific parameters measured during a food intolerance test depend on the type of test being performed. Here are the main methods and their corresponding parameters:

• Elimination Diet:
  • This approach involves removing suspected trigger foods from your diet and gradually reintroducing them one by one to monitor symptoms. The presence or absence of symptoms during the elimination and reintroduction phases indicates which foods are causing the intolerance.
• Blood Test (IgG Antibodies):
  • This food intolerance blood test measures the levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies in your blood. However, it’s important to note that elevated IgG levels alone do not reliably indicate food intolerance, as these antibodies can be present even in healthy individuals who have recently consumed the tested foods.
• Breath Tests:
  • Primarily used for diagnosing lactose and fructose intolerances, breath tests measure the amount of hydrogen or methane in your breath, which can signify malabsorption of these sugars.

Home Collection for Food Allergy Test Near You

Opting for home sample collection when undergoing a food intolerance blood test offers numerous benefits. At Metropolis Healthcare, we prioritise your comfort and convenience by sending a trained phlebotomist directly to your doorstep to collect blood samples.

This ensures a safe and stress-free experience without compromising on the high standards of sample handling and testing accuracy. Our commitment to making healthcare accessible, you can rely on us for timely and reliable food intolerance blood test reports.

With Metropolis Healthcare, you can trust that you’re receiving quality diagnostic solutions conveniently at home, enabling you to take proactive steps towards better digestive health and overall well-being.