Food Allergy and Sensitivity Testing (FAST 88 Foods: IgG with C3d/C3b)

The Food Allergy and Sensitivity Testing (FAST 88 Foods: IgG with C3d/C3b) offered by Infinite Allergy Labs is designed to identify potential food allergens and sensitivities that may be contributing to a variety of health issues. 

This test analyzes IgG antibodies against 88 common foods, along with complement proteins C3d and C3b, providing a comprehensive profile of the immune response to specific dietary components. IgG-mediated food reactions have been associated with a wide range of symptoms, including gastrointestinal disturbances, skin conditions, fatigue, headaches, and more. 

By identifying specific food triggers, healthcare providers can tailor dietary recommendations to help patients manage their symptoms effectively.

The FAST 88 Foods IgG with C3d/C3b) detects IgG antibodies, which are part of the delayed immune response to food antigens, as well as complement-mediated reactions via C3d/C3b. Unlike immediate hypersensitivity reactions mediated by IgE antibodies, IgG-mediated responses can occur hours to days after exposure to the offending food, making them challenging to identify without specialized testing. 

Moreover, complement proteins C3d and C3b play a crucial role in the immune cascade triggered by IgG-mediated reactions, providing valuable insights into the inflammatory response associated with food sensitivities. 

By assessing both IgG antibodies and complement activation, the FAST 88 Foods IgG with C3d/C3b test offers a comprehensive evaluation of the immune response to dietary antigens, helping healthcare providers develop personalized dietary strategies to optimize patient health and well-being.

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, evidence suggests that IgG antibody testing for food sensitivities may shed light for clinicians. [3., 6., 8.]  Some studies indicate that IgG-mediated immune responses might contribute to the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal inflammation.  [7.]  

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 C3b/d Testing for Food Sensitivities? 

C3b/d (Complement Component 3) is a protein of the innate immune system that is activated by microorganisms in the absence of an antibody.  The inclusion of complement proteins C3d and C3b in the Food Allergy and Sensitivity Testing (FAST 88 Foods: IgG with C3d/C3b) by Infinite Allergy Labs provides a more comprehensive assessment of the immune response to dietary antigens. 

Complement proteins play a crucial role in the immune cascade triggered by IgG-mediated reactions. Specifically, C3d and C3b are involved in the opsonization of immune complexes, facilitating their recognition and clearance by phagocytic cells; their role can increase the actions of IgG antibodies many times over. 

By measuring levels of C3d and C3b alongside IgG antibodies against 88 common foods, this test offers valuable insights into the inflammatory response associated with food sensitivities.

Complement activation, particularly through the C3d/C3b pathway, may contribute to the pathogenesis of various immune-mediated disorders, including food sensitivities and allergic reactions. [11.]

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.  [10.]  

Who Can Benefit from the Food Allergy and Sensitivity Testing (FAST 88 Foods: IgG with C3d/C3b) By Infinite Allergy Labs?

Many individuals can benefit from the Food Allergy and Sensitivity Testing (FAST 88 Foods: IgG with C3d/C3b) 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: IgG with C3d/C3b) By Infinite Allergy Labs may provide insight into food sensitivities have been linked to gastrointestinal symptoms.  [1.] 

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.  [6.]

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.  [9.]

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.  

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.] 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

[5.] 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.

[6.] 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.

[7.] 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.

[8.] 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.

[9.] 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.

[10.] 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.

[11.] 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