Food Allergy and Sensitivity Testing (FAST 88 Foods: IgE/IgG4 & IgG)

The Food Allergy and Sensitivity Testing (FAST 88 Foods: IgE, IgG4, IgG) offered by Infinite Allergy Labs is a comprehensive assessment tool designed to identify adverse reactions to a wide range of food antigens. This test analyzes various immunoglobulins (IgE, IgG4, IgG), providing a thorough assessment of the immune response to 88 common food allergens.

By measuring multiple immune markers, including both immediate (IgE) and delayed (IgG, IgG4) hypersensitivity reactions, this test offers a comprehensive understanding of the body's immune reactivity to different foods. [12.]

For patients, this test can offer insights into their individual sensitivities and intolerances, helping them identify specific dietary triggers contributing to various health issues such as digestive problems, skin disorders, autoimmune conditions, and chronic inflammation. Additionally, by pinpointing potential food allergens, patients can make informed dietary modifications to alleviate symptoms and improve overall well-being.

For medical providers, the FAST 88 Foods test provides a valuable tool for identifying food sensitivities and allergies, guiding personalized treatment plans, and optimizing patient care. This comprehensive approach to food allergy testing empowers both patients and healthcare providers to address underlying immune imbalances and promote better health outcomes.

What is the Clinical Significance of IgE Antibody Testing for Food Sensitivities?

IgE, an immunoglobulin subclass, plays a pivotal role in the body's allergic responses, particularly immediate hypersensitivity reactions triggered by exposure to foreign substances. These reactions can manifest as symptoms ranging from mild itching and hives to severe anaphylactic shock, depending on the individual's sensitivity and the allergen involved. 

By measuring serum levels of IgE, our test helps identify potential allergic triggers, including food items and environmental antigens like pollen or pet dander, aiding in the diagnosis and management of allergic conditions. 

Additionally, IgE-mediated reactions can also manifest with digestive symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, highlighting the importance of comprehensive testing for diagnosing allergic conditions involving the gastrointestinal tract. [8.]

What is the Clinical Significance of IgG Antibody Testing for Food Sensitivities?

Food sensitivity testing using IgG antibodies is employed by Infinite Allergy Labs in their FAST 88 Foods panel due to its potential clinical relevance in identifying delayed immune responses to specific food antigens. 

While IgE-mediated food allergies typically provoke immediate hypersensitivity reactions, IgG-mediated responses are associated with delayed onset reactions, making them challenging to diagnose clinically. However, accumulating evidence suggests that IgG antibody testing for food sensitivities may shed light for clinicians. [3., 10., 13.]  

Some studies indicate that IgG-mediated immune responses might contribute to the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal inflammation.  [11.]  By detecting IgG antibodies to specific food antigens, the FAST 88 Foods panel aims to identify potential triggers for immune-mediated reactions and provide insights into personalized dietary modifications to alleviate symptoms and improve overall health outcomes.

What is the Clinical Significance of IgG4 Antibody Testing for Food Sensitivities?

IgG4, a subtype of immunoglobulin G antibodies, plays a crucial role in modulating immune responses, particularly in the context of allergies. Research indicates that IgG4 antibodies can help neutralize allergic reactions orchestrated by IgE, thereby mitigating histamine responses and promoting immune tolerance to foods.  

However, it's essential to maintain a balanced level of IgG4, as excessive amounts can paradoxically lead to increased inflammation and immune sensitization; increased IgG4 levels have been associated with allergies and with autoimmune conditions.  

For instance, elevated IgG4 levels have been implicated in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, myasthenia gravis, pemphigus vulgaris and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. [4., 7., 9.]

Correlations with Environmental Sensitivity Testing

If patients are exhibiting allergy symptoms or have tested positive for allergens like Aspergillus, Yeast, and Candida on food allergy and sensitivity tests, it may be prudent to extend testing to include environmental allergens on a panel such as the Environmental Allergy Test (88 Antigen IgE) By Infinite Allergy Labs. 

This approach enables healthcare providers to comprehensively assess the patient's allergic sensitivities, as exposure to environmental allergens can exacerbate existing symptoms or contribute to overall allergic burden. Identifying and addressing environmental allergens alongside food sensitivities can lead to more effective management and treatment strategies tailored to the individual patient's needs, ultimately improving their quality of life. 

Research supports the importance of comprehensive allergy testing to guide personalized treatment approaches and minimize allergic reactions.  [15.]  

Who Can Benefit from the Food Allergy and Sensitivity Testing (FAST 88 Foods: IgE, IgG4, IgG) By Infinite Allergy Labs?

Many individuals can benefit from the Food Allergy and Sensitivity Testing (FAST 88 Foods: IgE, IgG4, IgG) offered by Infinite Allergy Labs:

Individuals experiencing chronic digestive issues: many patients experience frustrating digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), bloating, gas, diarrhea, or constipation yet receive no answers.  The Food Allergy and Sensitivity Testing (FAST 88 Foods: IgE, IgG4, IgG) By Infinite Allergy Labs may provide insight into food sensitivities that have been linked to gastrointestinal symptoms.  [2.] 

Those suffering from skin conditions: eczema, psoriasis, or chronic urticaria may be linked to food sensitivities that exacerbate these dermatological conditions.  [5.]

People with autoimmune disorders: emerging evidence suggests a potential association between food sensitivities and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Hashimoto's thyroiditis.  [2.]

Individuals experiencing unexplained symptoms without relief: fatigue, brain fog, headaches, joint pain, or mood disturbances, as these symptoms are often associated with food sensitivities and immune-mediated reactions.  [10.]

People struggling to lose weight: those people who find weight loss challenging despite typical diet and lifestyle interventions may benefit from a food sensitivity assessment.  [14.]

This test may also benefit those seeking to optimize their diet and overall health by identifying potential triggers for immune-mediated responses and making informed dietary modifications accordingly. 

It is important to note that every result should be interpreted within the context of the individual’s health history. 

Collection and Shipping

Key Details

• Sample collection must be performed by a phlebotomist, Monday - Thursday only.
• A separate fee for phlebotomy may apply.
• It is ideal to avoid steroids such as prednisone for at least one week before sample collection; if you are taking steroids for any reason, discuss the ideal timing for your blood draw with your ordering provider before stopping your medication.  

Preparation & Timing

• Sample collection must be performed by a phlebotomist, Monday - Thursday only.
• Freeze the provided ice pack for at least 4 hours before your blood draw.
• It is ideal to avoid steroids such as prednisone for at least one week before sample collection; if you are taking steroids for any reason, discuss the ideal timing for your blood draw with your ordering provider before stopping your medication. 

Sample Collection

• Complete the test requisition and bring it along with the test kit and frozen ice pack to your blood draw appointment.
• The phlebotomist will collect, prepare, and ship your sample for you.

Requisition & Payment

• Your kit has been prepaid; however, a separate fee for phlebotomy may apply.
• Complete the requisition form and send it back with your samples.  Click here for more information on completing your requisition form.  

Shipping

• Make a note of the tracking number on the return mailer for tracking purposes.
• The phlebotomist will ship your sample using the provided materials. Samples must be shipped Monday - Thursday only.

Results

Results should be released to your provider approximately 14 business days after samples are received at the lab.

References:

[1.] Atkinson W, Sheldon TA, Shaath N, Whorwell PJ. Food elimination based on IgG antibodies in irritable bowel syndrome: a randomised controlled trial. Gut. 2004 Oct;53(10):1459-64. doi: 10.1136/gut.2003.037697. PMID: 15361495; PMCID: PMC1774223.

[2.] Coucke F. Food intolerance in patients with manifest autoimmunity. Observational study. Autoimmun Rev. 2018 Nov;17(11):1078-1080. doi: 10.1016/j.autrev.2018.05.011. Epub 2018 Sep 11. PMID: 30213697.

[3.] Geiselman JF. The Clinical Use of IgG Food Sensitivity Testing with Migraine Headache Patients: a Literature Review. Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2019 Aug 27;23(11):79. doi: 10.1007/s11916-019-0819-4. PMID: 31456119.

[4.] Koneczny I. Update on IgG4-mediated autoimmune diseases: New insights and new family members. Autoimmunity Reviews. 2020;19(10):102646. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autrev.2020.102646

[5.] Laura, Jong, Constance, et al. IgG Antibodies in Food Allergy Influence Allergen–Antibody Complex Formation and Binding to B Cells: A Role for Complement Receptors. Journal of Immunology. 2013;191(7):3526-3533. doi:https://doi.org/10.4049/jimmunol.1202398

[6.] Liu Y, Yan H, Shao F, Li QH, Cui M. Correlation between childhood eczema and specific IgG antibody level. J Biol Regul Homeost Agents. 2018 Mar-Apr;32(2):341-344. PMID: 29685016.

[7.] Maslinska M, Dmowska-Chalaba J, Jakubaszek M. The Role of IgG4 in Autoimmunity and Rheumatic Diseases. Front Immunol. 2022 Jan 25;12:787422. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.787422. PMID: 35145508; PMCID: PMC8821096. 

[8.] Pearson JS, Niven RM, Meng J, Atarodi S, Whorwell PJ. Immunoglobulin E in irritable bowel syndrome: another target for treatment? A case report and literature review. Therap Adv Gastroenterol. 2015 Sep;8(5):270-7. doi: 10.1177/1756283X15588875. PMID: 26327917; PMCID: PMC4530434.

[9.] Qin L, Tang LF, Cheng L, Wang HY. The clinical significance of allergen-specific IgG4 in allergic diseases. Front Immunol. 2022 Oct 25;13:1032909. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1032909. PMID: 36389804; PMCID: PMC9648126.

[10.] Shakoor Z, AlFaifi A, AlAmro B, AlTawil LN, AlOhaly RY. Prevalence of IgG-mediated food intolerance among patients with allergic symptoms. Ann Saudi Med. 2016 Nov-Dec;36(6):386-390. doi: 10.5144/0256-4947.2016.386. PMID: 27920409; PMCID: PMC6074204.

[11.] Simeonova D, Ivanovska M, Murdjeva M, Carvalho AF, Maes M. Recognizing the Leaky Gut as a Trans-diagnostic Target for Neuroimmune Disorders Using Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Immunology Assays. Curr Top Med Chem. 2018;18(19):1641-1655. doi: 10.2174/1568026618666181115100610. PMID: 30430944.

[12.] Vighi G, Marcucci F, Sensi L, Di Cara G, Frati F. Allergy and the gastrointestinal system. Clin Exp Immunol. 2008 Sep;153 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):3-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2008.03713.x. PMID: 18721321; PMCID: PMC2515351.

[13.] Vita AA, Zwickey H, Bradley R. Associations between food-specific IgG antibodies and intestinal permeability biomarkers. Front Nutr. 2022 Sep 6;9:962093. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2022.962093. PMID: 36147305; PMCID: PMC9485556.

[14.] Wilders-Truschnig M, Mangge H, Lieners C, Gruber H, Mayer C, März W. IgG antibodies against food antigens are correlated with inflammation and intima media thickness in obese juveniles. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes. 2008 Apr;116(4):241-5. doi: 10.1055/s-2007-993165. Epub 2007 Dec 10. PMID: 18072008.

[15.] Xing H, Wang J, Sun Y, Wang H. Recent Advances in the Allergic Cross-Reactivity between Fungi and Foods. J Immunol Res. 2022 Oct 7;2022:7583400. doi: 10.1155/2022/7583400. PMID: 36249419; PMCID: PMC9568318.

[16.] Yves Laumonnier, Rabia Ülkü Korkmaz, Nowacka AA, Jörg Köhl. Complement‐mediated immune mechanisms in allergy. European Journal of Immunology. 2023;53(10). doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/eji.202249979