Description
IgG4 + IgE Antibody Testing for 190 Foods
Are you wondering whether certain foods may be associated with unwanted symptoms?
The Meridian Valley Lab 190 Combo Food Sensitivity Profile is an extensive blood test measuring both IgE and IgG4 antibody responses to 190 different foods in a single panel.
Two Types of Antibody Testing
IgE Antibodies
Food-specific IgE is associated with immediate-type allergic reactions. Symptoms can occur shortly after eating a particular food and may include hives, itching, swelling, wheezing, gastrointestinal symptoms, or—in severe cases—anaphylaxis.
An elevated food-specific IgE result should be interpreted together with your history and symptoms. A positive result alone does not necessarily establish a clinical food allergy.
IgG4 Antibodies
IgG4 antibodies can develop following exposure to foods and provide information about immune recognition of those foods.
Importantly, IgG4 results are not considered diagnostic of food allergy or food intolerance. Elevated IgG4 may occur in people who regularly consume and tolerate a food.
Extensive 190-Food Panel
The panel evaluates antibody responses to a broad selection of foods, including foods from categories such as:
• Dairy • Eggs • Grains and gluten-containing foods • Meats and poultry • Fish and shellfish • Nuts and seeds • Fruits • Vegetables • Legumes • Herbs and spices • Other commonly consumed foods
Testing such a broad range of foods can provide a detailed picture of measured antibody responses in a single blood draw.
Who May Consider This Panel?
Individuals may consider testing when investigating dietary factors in conjunction with symptoms such as:
• Digestive complaints • Bloating or abdominal discomfort • Recurrent food-related symptoms • Skin symptoms • Headaches • Unexplained reactions after eating • Interest in a broad food antibody profile
Blood Test
The 190 Combo Food Sensitivity Profile requires a serum blood sample.
Important Information About Food Sensitivity Testing
This panel should not be used by itself to diagnose food allergy or food intolerance.
IgE testing can be clinically useful in evaluating suspected immediate food allergy when interpreted alongside symptoms and medical history.
IgG4 testing has not been established as a diagnostic test for food allergy or food intolerance, and major allergy organizations caution against using food-specific IgG/IgG4 results alone to determine which foods should be eliminated.
Individuals with suspected serious food allergies or a history of anaphylaxis should be evaluated by an appropriate healthcare professional or allergist.
