Description

The 96 Mexican Food Panel: IgA/IgG Blood Spot Test is a specialized test designed to assess your immune system's response to 96 foods and spices that are commonly found in a typical Mexican diet. The test measures IgA and IgG antibodies, which are immune system proteins produced in response to foods and substances that the body may perceive as harmful, even when they are not.

What is IgA and IgG Testing?

  • IgA (Immunoglobulin A) and IgG (Immunoglobulin G) are different types of antibodies in the body that play a role in immune response.
  • IgA is primarily found in mucosal areas such as the respiratory and digestive systems and is often associated with food sensitivities and digestive issues.
  • IgG is the most abundant antibody and is involved in immune responses against food and other foreign substances, potentially indicating delayed hypersensitivity or intolerance.

The presence of elevated IgA or IgG antibodies to specific foods may indicate food sensitivities, intolerances, or an immune response to certain foods.

Purpose of the 96 Mexican Food Panel Test:

This test is aimed at identifying foods that may trigger adverse immune reactions (delayed hypersensitivity), which could be contributing to symptoms like digestive problems, headaches, joint pain, fatigue, skin issues, and more. It focuses specifically on foods and spices found in a typical Mexican diet, making it relevant for individuals who consume these foods regularly or have a history of gastrointestinal or autoimmune conditions.

Foods Tested in the Panel:

The 96 Mexican Food Panel includes a wide range of foods that are staples in Mexican cuisine, such as:

  • Fruits: Mango, papaya, guava, cantaloupe, watermelon, lemon, lime, orange, pear, peach, kiwi fruit, pineapple, and others.
  • Vegetables: Avocado, artichoke, asparagus, cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, eggplant, cucumber, tomato, pumpkin, sweet potato, and more.
  • Spices and Herbs: Chili pepper, cinnamon, coriander, garlic, ginger, mustard, parsley, peppermint, and others.
  • Grains and Legumes: Corn, rice, quinoa, barley, pinto bean, lentils, chickpea, soybeans, and more.
  • Nuts and Seeds: Almond, cashew, macadamia nut, hazelnut, pistachio nut, sunflower seeds, and pine nut.
  • Meats and Seafood: Beef, chicken, pork, lamb, turkey, duck, shrimp, crab, mussel, octopus, tilapia, salmon, sardine, trout, red snapper, and more.
  • Dairy and Other: Cow milk, goat milk, cheddar cheese, casein, whey, and more.
  • Additional Foods: Cane sugar, honey, coffee, black tea, flaxseed, and vanilla.

How the Test Works:

  1. Blood Sample Collection:
  2. The test requires a blood spot sample. A small sample of blood is typically collected through a finger prick and placed onto a collection card.
  3. Analysis for IgA and IgG Antibodies:
  4. The blood spot sample is then sent to a laboratory where the IgA and IgG antibody levels against each of the 96 foods and spices are measured. Elevated levels of IgA or IgG antibodies may indicate a food sensitivity or intolerance.
  5. Result Interpretation:
  • Normal (No or Low Antibodies): No or low levels of IgA or IgG antibodies suggest that the food is unlikely to be causing an immune reaction.
  • Borderline (Mildly Elevated Antibodies): Slightly elevated IgA or IgG levels may indicate a mild sensitivity to a food, requiring you to monitor your reaction to the food.
  • Elevated (High Antibody Response): High IgA or IgG levels could indicate a significant sensitivity to a food. Eliminating or reducing consumption of that food may help alleviate symptoms.

Test Results:

Your test results will provide you with an analysis of IgA and IgG antibodies for each food tested, and it will categorize each result as:

  • Normal: No significant immune response.
  • Borderline: Mild immune response, no immediate need for dietary changes but possible food sensitivity.
  • Elevated: Significant immune response, suggesting a potential food sensitivity or intolerance.

Expected Timeline:

  • Result Turnaround: The results typically take 21 business days to be processed and ready, not including the time for transportation of the sample to the lab.

Importance of the Test:

This test can help identify foods that may be contributing to chronic symptoms, such as:

  • Digestive Issues: Bloating, gas, indigestion, or discomfort after eating.
  • Skin Conditions: Eczema, rashes, or acne flare-ups.
  • Fatigue or Joint Pain: Unexplained tiredness or discomfort that might be linked to food sensitivities.
  • Headaches: Migraines or frequent headaches that could be related to specific foods.
  • Other Symptoms: Such as mood swings, brain fog, or congestion.

What to Do With the Results:

  1. Consult a Healthcare Professional:
  2. After receiving the results, it's important to discuss them with a healthcare provider or nutritionist to understand how to adjust your diet based on the findings.
  3. Elimination Diet:
  4. If certain foods are identified as problematic, an elimination diet may be recommended, where you remove these foods from your diet for a period (usually 2-4 weeks) to see if your symptoms improve.
  5. Reintroduction of Foods:
  6. After eliminating suspect foods, you may gradually reintroduce them one by one to determine if any specific food is causing adverse reactions.

Conclusion:

The 96 Mexican Food Panel: IgA/IgG Blood Spot Test is a helpful tool for identifying food sensitivities in individuals who consume foods commonly found in Mexican cuisine. By assessing your body's immune response to these foods, you can better understand how certain foods might be affecting your health and make informed dietary decisions.