Unlike some allergies, food intolerance is not life-threatening, but it can be just as much of a problem for those affected. It is extremely common and appears to be on the increase. What is food intolerance testing for? What tests can be used to check exactly which foods and foods we are sensitive to?
Food intolerance is not the same as food allergy, although some of the symptoms may be similar. People with food intolerance usually experience symptoms within a few hours of eating the food that causes the intolerance. In some cases, however, symptoms can be delayed for up to 48 hours, lasting for hours or even days, making it difficult to identify the food causing the problem.
Food intolerance occurs when the body cannot digest a particular food. This is often due to a lack of certain enzymes needed to break it down. Lactose intolerance, for example, is a common type that causes digestive problems such as gas and bloating.
Although the symptoms of food intolerance can vary, the digestive, skin and respiratory systems are most commonly affected.
Antibody-based food sensitivity tests measure the production of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to specific foods. Immunoglobulins are a class of proteins that act as antibodies produced by the immune system in response to foreign bodies entering the body. There are many different types of immunoglobulins, the most well-known being IgA, IgE, IgG and IgM.
In general, foods are broken down during digestion into their constituent parts, which pass harmlessly through the intestinal tract into the bloodstream. Occasionally, however, small pieces of partially digested or undigested food are able to pass through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream, where they are treated as “invaders” by the immune system. In response, the immune system produces IgG antibodies against these foods.
Intolerance testing is done by taking blood samples. Different types of tests measure blood serum concentrations of IgG antibodies produced against different types of food. The tests and their associated assessments help the patient to identify which so-called trigger foods are causing symptoms. If the findings suggest intolerance, a gastroenterologist or dietician should be consulted.
At the Wáberer Medical Center laboratory, you can choose from five different intolerance tests.
Do you need a food intolerance test or would you like to visit an excellent gastroenterologist? Book an easy and simple appointment with one of our specialists or call us at +36-1-323-7000 to be seen at our well-equipped clinic in Buda without a long wait.
