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Take the guesswork out of your diet

IgG Food Sensitivity Testing

Symptoms associated with food sensitivities develop slowly over time and can create inflammation and contribute to symptoms of a variety of diseases. The Lifelabs FST™ IgG Food Sensitivity test can help identify potential food sensitivities and take the guesswork out of your diet.

How is the test performed?

Blood sample

- How to Order? -

Through your healthcare provider

FAQs

Sensitivity vs Allergy

On exposure to certain foods, your immune system can react by releasing proteins called antibodies. Foods that cause antibodies to be released are called antigens or allergens. Two types of antibodies are commonly produced in response to foods: IgE (immunoglobulin E) and IgG (immunoglobulin G). A food allergy is an immediate reaction caused by the production of IgE antibodies, while a food sensitivity is a delayed reaction caused by the production of IgG antibodies to specific foods.

What is an IgG Food Sensitivity test?

The IgG Food Sensitivity test measures levels of IgG antibodies for 211 most common foods. Antibodies are highly specialized proteins that bind to specific antigens. All foods have antigen molecules on them, and sometimes these food antigens can trigger the production of antibodies. Three types of food sensitivity tests panels are available:

LifeLabs FST™ Enhanced+: tests for 211 food antigens including Candida.

LifeLabs FST™ Vegetarian+: tests for 165 food antigens including Candida.

LifeLabs FST™ Basic+: tests for 101 food antigens including Candida.

The details for each test panel are  available here.

Who should get tested?

You can develop a food sensitivity at any age. Because IgG food reactions take hours or days to develop, this makes it difficult to determine which food is responsible for the reaction without doing testing. You should speak with your healthcare provider if you have the following on going symptoms:

  • Systemic: Fever, fatigue, chills, sweating and feeling weak, puffiness.
  • Skin: Itching, redness, swelling, and rashes.
  • Brain: Mood and memory disturbances, behavioural problems.
  • Lungs: Food-induced bronchitis and asthma symptoms.
  • Musculoskeletal: Joint pain, muscle stiffness and swelling.
  • Digestive tract: Nausea & vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, gas, and bloating
When is the test ordered?

Your healthcare provider may order an IgG Food Sensitivity test if you have a history of:

  • Digestive disorders
  • Migraines
  • Mood/attention deficit disorders
  • Weight gain
  • Skin conditions
  • Joint or muscle pain, stiffness or swelling
How can I get tested?

Your healthcare provider will provide you with a test requisition and method of blood collection for testing.

If working with a Naturopathic Doctor or other healthcare provider:

Please obtain a test kit and/or requisition form from your health care provider.  They will collect payment, and explain the process for collecting your test sample during your consultation. 

Find a Healthcare Provider

 

Understanding your results

Test results will be provided directly to your healthcare provider within two weeks for discussion with you. The report will indicate your IgG levels for the food types tested, and whether they are in the normal, borderline or elevated ranges.