FOOD SENSITIVITY TEST (Serum IgG) RMA FST Panel
Type of test: Specialized
Specimen: BLOOD
Offered by: Rocky Mountain Analytical – Calgary, AB
Food sensitivity is a delayed reaction caused by the production of IgG antibodies to special foods. It may take hours or days to develop a reaction to foods, making it difficult to determine which foods caused it without testing for them. In this type of reaction (IgG type), the IgG antibodies attach themselves to the antigen and create an antibody-antigen complex. These complexes are normally removed by special cells called macrophages. However, if they are present in large numbers and the food antigen is still being consumed, the macrophages are unable to remove all the complexes. These antigen-antibodies complexes accumulate and are deposited in body tissues. Once in tissues, these complexes cause inflammation, which can contribute to a variety of diseases and health conditions, starting with migraines, irritable bowel, headaches, skin issues, joint pain and swelling, weight gain etc.
In contrast with these, the IgE reactions usually occur within minutes of eating a reactive food and can be, rarely though, life-threatening (e.g. peanut allergies). Skin eruptions (hives, eczema), breathing and digestive problems are also common IgE reactions. This type of test is being done by your Medical Doctor when s/he asks you to do a Food Allergy test. Totally different from the IgG test. One is testing a delayed reaction to foods you commonly eat (IgG type), the other an immediate hypersensitivity reaction (IgE type).
The standard panel tests for 120 Foods (most common foods a person eats). There is a 200 Foods test, or a 160 Vegetarian Foods tests, but they are more expensive.
It is a good idea to add to a standard RMA Food Sensitivity Test a Candida test. This because the overgrowth of this fungus (normally present in your digestive tract) due to various causes, can influence the results of this test. And because the lab is aware of this, they offer a substantial discount if you do an Add-On Candida to a Food sensitivity test.
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