Food Intolerance Test, IgG

A food intolerance indicates that your digestive system has a hard time digesting (breaking down) certain foods. It can be due to a lack of enzymes needed to digest certain foods, or sometimes, as a reaction to additives or naturally occurring compounds in foods. Your body mistakes these food products as a threat and produces IgG antibodies which can result in inflammation and discomfort in the stomach.

The Food Intolerance Test, IgG is an IgG mediated reaction unlike food allergy which is IgE mediated. It looks for the IgG antibodies that may be produced hours or days after eating the offending food, as a slow response of the digestive system to certain foods that are difficult to digest. By identifying these specific foods, doctors can suggest dietary modifications, and formulate your treatment plan.

You may need the Food Intolerance Test, IgG if you notice any specific reactions/symptoms after eating a certain food. The symptoms may include diarrhea, bloating, stomach pain, constipation, itching, skin rashes, etc. The test is also recommended if there are risk factors for developing food intolerance such as a family history of food intolerance. Understanding your specific food sensitivities, the results, and their implications can provide crucial insights into what triggers your food intolerance and facilitate timely and effective management strategies. It should be noted that watchful eating is the best way to prevent food allergies.

Usually, no special preparation is needed for this test. Follow your doctor's instructions closely. Also, inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you are on, as they might affect the test results. 

Lab test results may vary across different laboratories. Abnormal test results require an expert interpretation; therefore, never try to self-medicate at home based solely on these results, and always consult a doctor for a proper understanding of the test results.