What is the test method?

Our food intolerance tests are done using a blood based method covering IgG 1,2,3,4, the blood sample collection process is done via a pin prick to the finger, it takes around 4-5 large droplets.

Why do food cause an IgGantibodies response?

Generally, foods are broken down during digestion into their component parts e.g. amino acids, glycerides etc. These pass harmlessly through the gut as the gut becomes inflamed (bloated) these proteins enter the bloodstream. This is where they are recognized by the immune system as being ‘foreign’. The immune system responds by making IgG antibodies to these foods.

What is the difference between hair and blood based test?

You can't test immune reactions via a hair sample, and in many cases there have been discrepancies in results when parts of the hair have been coloured/bleached. This has led to inconsistency in the sample tested twice. Our IgG 1,2,3,4 blood based testing covers the full range of antibodies responses, this is important, if a particular food elevates any antibodies against it, this means your gut and immune system recognises that food as a threat. This could affect the nutrients absorbed from this particular food and leads to multiple symptoms.

Do high IgG antibody levels cause symptoms?

When a food causes the body to produce high levels of IgG then 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 migraine, IBS and obesity.

What is the lower age limit for testing?

Supply Life's 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 intolerance 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.

What should be considered before testing - Is there any medication that I should avoid when taking a food intolerance test, due to its potential effects upon the results?

Customers should avoid the use of immunosuppressant medication if possible if performing these tests, as they may have an impact upon the results. Please refer to the medication datasheet in the “Support” section for further details.

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.

Do you need to full the microvette all the way to the white line?

Although it is advisable to completely fill the tube, a half filled microvette tube should be enough to run the test. If there are any problems with a sample and the lab will let the customer know. However, if you are ordering two tests we can test from one sample if you provide a full microvette.

Do you need to store the blood in the fridge, if not sending the same day?

Yes, it does need to be stored in the fridge with the lid secured if not sending on the same day.

Can I upgrade my test to a larger food panel?

You can upgrade for up to a maximum of 4 weeks from the date that your first sample is received.

What are the sample requirements and test turnaround?

A pin-prick blood sample is required. Results are available within 10 working days.

Does the Supply Life test for all subclasses of IgG antibody or only IgG4?

Our process screens for all IgG subclasses 1-4, with the numbers on the test report representing the total IgG concentration for each food extract in the selected panel.

Common Food Intolerances Explained

November 8, 2022

Every one of us is different in our makeup, being one of the beautifully wonderful things about the human body. This is why we all respond to different foods in different ways. For instance, two people with the same food intolerance can experience completely different symptoms from one another, with the impact of food sensitivities varying hugely from one individual to the next.

If you are experiencing symptoms that you believe could be connected to a food intolerance, you will no doubt be reading up on the subject of food allergies, intolerances and sensitivities.

Below, we look at the most common food intolerances.

Gluten - The term ‘gluten’ covers the proteins found in wheat, barley, rye and triticale. This means those that have an allergy or intolerance to gluten must avoid products with these ingredients in. Symptoms of a gluten intolerance are widespread and can come in various forms. These include headaches, bloating, abdominal cramps, loose stools, anxiety, skin problems, pains in the joints and anaemia. This is essentially the body's digestive system rejecting gluten foods. Common gluten-based products include bread, pasta, cereal and beer.

Dairy - An intolerance to dairy is something close to 13% of the global population experience. Most have an intolerance to lactose (Lactose Intolerance), which is when the digestive system cannot digest lactose; a kind of sugar found mostly in milk and other dairy products. Those that are Lactose Intolerant do not produce enough lactase; this is a substance the body uses to digest lactose. Lactose, therefore, remains in the digestive system, where it's fermented by bacteria. If not addressed, intolerance to lactose can result in malnutrition, Osteoporosis and Osteopenia.

Caffeine - Although caffeine is mostly associated with coffee, it's also found in many different foods and drinks. These include tea, energy drinks, chocolate and even some medications. There are several factors that can cause a caffeine intolerance. These range from genetics and age to sleep hygiene. Symptoms of caffeine sensitivities include insomnia, anxiety, high blood pressure and headaches.

Who are food intolerance tests for?

During our time in business, Supply Life has successfully performed over 15,000 food intolerance tests in our UK-approved laboratory. This means we have helped close to 15,000 individuals learn about their digestive system, giving them the intel and support to introduce positive changes to their diet and lifestyle.

When conducting food intolerance tests, we test blood samples to detect food-specific IgG antibodies to 220 different foods. We achieve this through the use of pioneering immunoassay microarray technology. This means we cannot only pick up the most common food intolerances but more rare ones that are difficult to detect and diagnose.

Start learning more about your body and order your food intolerance testing kit from Supply Life now. You won’t regret it.

Back to blog