Description

The 96 General Food Panel is a blood test designed to assess your immune system’s response to 96 common foods and spices by measuring Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies. IgG antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system in response to substances that it recognizes as potentially harmful, such as infections or allergens. In the case of food sensitivities, the immune system may produce IgG antibodies in response to specific foods, even when they are not immediately harmful to your body.

How the Test Works:

  1. Blood Sample Collection:
  2. The test requires a simple blood sample, which is usually drawn from a vein in your arm. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
  3. Testing for IgG Antibodies:
  4. In the lab, your blood will be tested for IgG antibodies against 96 different foods and spices. These foods and spices represent some of the most common dietary items that can cause sensitivities in individuals.
  5. IgG Antibody Levels:
  6. The lab will measure the concentration of IgG antibodies associated with each food tested. The levels of IgG antibodies can be used to determine if you may have a food sensitivity.
  • Normal (Low/No Response): Low or no IgG antibodies detected. This suggests that the food is not likely causing any immune-related issues.
  • Borderline: Slightly elevated IgG antibodies. This may indicate mild sensitivity, and you could monitor how your body reacts to the food.
  • Elevated (High Response): High levels of IgG antibodies detected. This could indicate a significant sensitivity to the food, which may warrant dietary changes.

Purpose of the Test:

  • Identifying Food Sensitivities:
  • Some people have immune responses to certain foods, which might not be immediate or as obvious as an allergy. These delayed immune responses are typically seen with IgG antibodies. The test helps identify foods that could be contributing to chronic symptoms such as:
  • Digestive issues (bloating, gas, indigestion)
  • Headaches
  • Skin rashes or conditions like eczema
  • Fatigue
  • Joint pain
  • Not an Allergy Test:
  • It’s important to note that this test is not for diagnosing food allergies, which are typically IgE-mediated (a different class of antibodies). An allergy test focuses on immediate reactions to foods, whereas IgG testing assesses delayed immune responses.

Tested Foods:

The test checks for antibodies to a broad array of foods, including:

  • Fruits: Apple, banana, blueberry, orange, pineapple, etc.
  • Vegetables: Broccoli, spinach, cauliflower, cucumber, etc.
  • Dairy: Cow milk, goat milk, cheese, whey, etc.
  • Meats: Beef, chicken, pork, lamb, etc.
  • Grains: Wheat, barley, oats, rye, etc.
  • Nuts & Seeds: Almond, peanut, walnut, sesame, etc.
  • Legumes: Soybean, lentils, chickpea, kidney bean, etc.
  • Spices & Other Foods: Garlic, ginger, cinnamon, cane sugar, etc.

Interpreting Results:

  1. No or Low IgG Levels:
  2. If the results show no or low levels of IgG antibodies to a particular food, this generally means that the food is not likely causing any immune response or sensitivity.
  3. Moderate or Elevated IgG Levels:
  4. If IgG levels are slightly elevated, it suggests that you may have a mild sensitivity to that food. In some cases, borderline levels may not require dietary changes, but it's something to be mindful of, especially if you experience symptoms after eating those foods.
  5. Significant Elevation in IgG:
  6. Elevated IgG levels can indicate a stronger immune response to the food, suggesting a potential sensitivity or intolerance. These foods may contribute to chronic symptoms, and it may be helpful to avoid or reduce their consumption.

Important Considerations:

  • Not Diagnostic of Disease:
  • This test helps identify potential food sensitivities but does not diagnose conditions like Celiac Disease, Crohn’s Disease, or other gastrointestinal disorders. If you suspect a specific medical condition, further tests and consultation with a healthcare provider may be required.
  • Food Sensitivity vs. Intolerance:
  • Food sensitivities (indicated by IgG testing) are different from food intolerances (such as lactose intolerance). IgG antibodies are a marker of an immune system reaction, while intolerances are generally digestive in nature and don’t involve the immune system.
  • Symptom Correlation:
  • An elevated IgG level doesn’t always guarantee that a particular food is causing your symptoms. It's important to correlate your test results with your personal experience of symptoms. Keeping a food diary may help track which foods seem to trigger reactions.

Next Steps:

  1. Consult Your Healthcare Provider:
  2. If you receive any elevated results, it’s important to discuss your findings with a healthcare provider, nutritionist, or dietitian. They can help interpret the results in the context of your health history and symptoms.
  3. Trial Elimination Diet:
  4. Based on your results, your healthcare provider may suggest an elimination diet, where you temporarily remove the foods with elevated IgG levels and monitor your symptoms. This can help confirm whether those foods are contributing to your symptoms.
  5. Reintroduction of Foods:
  6. After a period of elimination, foods can be reintroduced one at a time to see how your body reacts, helping to pinpoint sensitivities.

Conclusion:

The 96 General Food Panel offers valuable insight into your immune system’s response to a broad array of foods and spices, which could help you manage and mitigate food-related sensitivities. The results can serve as a useful starting point for making dietary adjustments that promote better health and well-being.

If you need further information or have any questions about the test or results, feel free to consult your healthcare provider.