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.

Food Intolerances: Key Indicators You Have IBS

October 26, 2021

Supply Life offers professional food intolerance tests to anyone that wants to learn more about their bodies, particularly their gut health. The majority of our customers come to us as they are experiencing symptoms of a food intolerance, whether that be a stomach ache, nausea, regular headaches or changes to their skin and complexion.

Many of the people that request IgG food intolerance testing services have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and wish to learn about the foods that trigger their IBS and their general digestive system.

In this blog, we take a deeper look into IBS and some indicators that you may have the gut disorder, advising on some dietary changes you can make to keep the disorder under control.

Common signs of IBS

It is estimated that between 12-30% of the world’s population has IBS. The cause of IBS is unknown. What we do know is that IBS causes disturbance to the way in which the gut, brain, and nervous system interact with one another. This is why it is often referred to as a ‘brain-gut’ disorder.

The symptoms and impacts of IBS will differ from one sufferer to the next. The most commonly reported are:

Abdominal pain: Abdominal pain is one of the telltale signs of IBS which usually occurs in the lower section of the stomach. These are reported as regular stabbing pains that come on sporadically.

Bloating: Those with IBS often experience excessive abdominal gas, causing their stomach to bloat. This can be very uncomfortable and can worsen throughout the day.
Diarrhoea: Unpredictable bowel habits can have a hugely detrimental impact on one’s mood. Those that have IBS may well experience diarrhoea and constipation which can be uncomfortable, uncontrollable and life-limiting.
Sickness: Feeling sick and nauseous is a common reaction to IBS. This is because if someone is unable to digest the nutrients and properties they need, the body responds by feeling or being sick.

Other common symptoms of IBS include headaches, increased flatulence, tiredness and passing mucus.

Foods that trigger IBS

Gluten: Research has shown that a gluten-free diet can improve IBS symptoms such as stomach cramps and bloating. Gluten products to avoid include anything with wheat, rye and barley in.
Dairy: Milk, cheese, cream and other dairy products are renowned for being IBS triggers. By testing a dairy elimination diet, you may experience reduced IBS symptoms.
Fresh fruit: The NHS advises that those with IBS should not eat more than 3 portions of fresh fruit a day (a portion is 80g).
Fibre: Insoluble fibre, such as corn or wheat bran, should be kept at a minimum. This is because it can cause mechanical stimulation in the bowel.

It is also advised that those who are experiencing IBS symptoms limit their intake of alcohol and fizzy drinks too.

Food intolerance tests

Those with IBS often utilise our food intolerance testing services to eliminate foods from their diet that cause them discomfort and for their IBS to flare up. So, if you are looking into your diet and want to learn more about foods you suspect cause you problems, it may be worth taking our Gut & Body Weight food intolerance test.

Please note that with the product you will receive a bespoke meal plan designed to support you on your journey to feeling great!

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