Food Allergen Blood Testing
Written by: Our Editorial Team
Last updated: 03/04/2023
So-called “superfoods” continue to dominate the conversation around optimized nutrition. While there are certainly a multitude of health benefits derived from increasing consumption of nutrient-dense foods, a deficiency of goji-berries and green juice may not be the limiting factor holding you back from your health success.
It’s estimated roughly 32 million Americans suffer from food allergies. In severe cases these allergies may provoke anaphylactic reactions, requiring immediate medical attention. However, food allergies are often hard to pin down as they can induce pernicious low-grade symptoms. Food allergies can manifest in various ways, and symptoms can vary from person to person. Here are some common signs that may indicate a food allergy:(1)
It's important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, and not all adverse reactions to food are due to allergies. Food intolerances, such as lactose intolerance or gluten sensitivity, can also cause similar symptoms.
Whether inherited or acquired, food allergies arise when a foreign substance or antigen stimulates immune-system hyperactivity. Immunoglobulins, known as antibodies, are a superfamily of proteins deeply involved in mediating this immune system response. Immediate hypersensitivity reactions (Type I) occur when a foreign substance or antigen activates immunoglobulin-E (IgE) cascades. IgE activity provokes an inflammatory mast cell storm leading to dysfunction in the skin, respiratory system, and GI tract. (2,3)
Immediate IgE response is not always the driving factor behind food allergy. Delayed hypersensitivity reactions (Type IV) rely on T-cell activation and often occur 12-48 hours after the time of exposure. Type IV allergic reactions are significantly more difficult to test due to the lack of direct IgE involvement and the larger temporal window. (4)
There are two primary methodologies for testing food allergies. Skin testing consists of deliberate exposure to a variety of common allergens in hopes of provoking a localized reaction. Accessibility to skin testing is limited due to the ongoing shortage of specialized allergists. Serum testing is another option that evaluates the blood for the presence of antigen-specific IgE’s. Panels can be tailored to test a full spectrum of potential allergens or hone in on suspected offenders.
At Marek Health, we understand the significant impact that food allergies can have on your overall health and well-being. That's why we're thrilled to introduce our advanced Food Allergy Blood Testing service. With this cutting-edge testing method, we can provide you with valuable insights into your body's immune response to various foods, helping you identify and manage your food allergies more effectively.
Unlike traditional methods, such as skin prick tests or elimination diets, Food Allergy Blood Testing offers a convenient, comprehensive, and accurate assessment of your immune system's response to specific food allergens. You can work directly with a health coach to build your own allergen profile, or you can design your own HERE.
Disclaimer: This blog post/article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. This is not a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied upon. If you are considering a treatment, always consult your primary care physician to discuss the risks and benefits.
Sources