Why test IgG for food sensitivity?

Multiple studies suggest that the removal of high IgG reactivity foods corresponds to reduced symptoms such as gastrointestinal issues or migraines, as well as other symptoms people experience as a result of consuming certain foods.

Some studies that are against IgG testing are actually focused on whether IgG testing helps predict or diagnose food allergies, which isn’t how consumers should use our Food Sensitivity Test. The Food Sensitivity test is not an allergy test and we state that clearly on our site.

Here is a list of peer-reviewed studies on food-specific IgG  testing and IgG-guided food elimination diets

  2. Uhde M, Caio G, De Giorgio R, Green PH, Volta U, Alaedini A. Subclass Profile of IgG Antibody Response to Gluten Differentiates Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity from Celiac Disease. Gastroenterology. 2020; S0016-5085(20)34992-1. doi: 10.1053/j.gastro.2020.07.032.
  3. Fritscher-Ravens A, Pflaum T, Mösinger M, et al. Many Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome Have Atypical Food Allergies Not Associated With Immunoglobulin E. Gastroenterology. 2019;157(1):109-118.
  4.  Atkinson W, Sheldon TA, Shaath N, Whorwell PJ. Food elimination based on IgG antibodies in irritable bowel syndrome: a randomized controlled trial. Gut. 2004;51(10):1459-1464. doi: 10.1136/gut.2003.037697.
  5. Zar S, Benson M, Kumar D. Food-specific Serum IgG4 and IgE titers to common food antigens in Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Am J Gastroenterol. 2005;100(7):1550-1557. doi: 10.1111/j.1572-0241.2005.41348.x.
  6. Zuo XL, Li YQ, Li WJ, Guo YT, Lu XF, et al. Alterations of food antigen-specific serum immunoglobulins G and E antibodies in patients with irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia. Clin Exper Allergy. 2007;37:823-830. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2007.02727.x.
  7. Aydinlar EI, Dikmen PY, Tiftikci A, Saruc M, Aksu M, et al. IgG-based elimination diet in migraine plus irritable bowel syndrome. Headache. 2013;53(3):514-525. doi: 10.1111/j.1526-4610.2012.02296.x.
  8. Sub Lee H, Jae Lee K. Alterations of food-specific serum IgG4 titers to common food antigens in patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. J Neurogastroenterol Motility. 2017;23(4):578-584. doi: 10.5056/jnm17054.
  9. Cai C, Shen J, Zhao D, Qiao Y, Xu A, et al. Serological investigation of food specific immunoglobulin G antibodies in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases. PLoS ONE. 2014;9(11):1-8. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0112154. [includes Crohn’s and Ulcerative colitis]
  10. Xie Y, Zhou G, Xu Y, He B, Wang Y, Ma R, et al. Effects of Diet Based on IgG Elimination Combined with Probiotics on Migraine Plus Irritable Bowel Syndrome. J Pain Res. 2019;7890461. doi: 10.1155/2019/7890461.
  11. Drisko J, Bischoff B, Hall M, McCallum R. Treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome with a food elimination diet followed by food challenge and probiotics. J Am Coll Nutr. 2006;25(6):514-522. doi: 10.1080/07315724.2006.10719567.
  12. Gunasekeera V, Mendall MA, Chan D, Kumar D. Treatment of Crohn’s Disease with an IgG4-Guided Exclusion Diet: A Randomized Control Trial. Dig Dis Sci. 2016;61(4):1148-1157. doi: 10.1007/s10620-015-3987-z.
  13. Rajendran N, Kumar D. Food-specific IgG4-guided exclusion diets improve symptoms in Crohn’s disease: a pilot study. Colorectal disease. 2011;13(9):1009-1013.
  14. Wang G, Ren J, Li G, Hu Q, Gu G, Ren H. The utility of food antigen test in the diagnosis of Crohn’s disease and remission maintenance after exclusive enteral nutrition. Clinics and Research in Hepatology and Gastroenterology. 2018;42(2):145-152. doi: 10.1016/j.clinre.2017.09.002.
  15. Bentz S, Hausmann M, Piberger H, Kellermeier S, Paul S, et al. Clinical relevance of IgG antibodies against food antigens in Crohn’s disease: a double-blind crossover diet intervention study. Digestion. 2010;81(4):252-264. doi: 10.1159/000264649.
  16. Jian L, Anqi H, Gang L, Litian W, Yanyan X, et al. Food exclusion based on IgG antibodies alleviates symptoms in ulcerative colitis. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. 2018; 24(9):1918-1925. doi: 10.1093/ibd/izy110.
  17. Alpay K, Ertas M, Orhan EK, Üstay DK, Lieners C, Baykan B. Diet restriction in migraine, based on IgG against foods: a clinical double-blind, randomized, crossover trial. Cephalalgia. 2010;30(7):829-837. doi: 10.1177/0333102410361404.
  18. Mitchell N, Hewitt CE, Jayakody S, Islam M, Adamson J, Watt I, et al. Randomised controlled trial of food elimination diet based on IgG antibodies for the prevention of migraine like headaches. Nutr J. 2011;10:85. doi: 10.1186/1475-2891-10-85.
  19. Bernardi D, Borghesan F, Faggian D, Bianchi FC, Favero E, et al. Time to reconsider the clinical value of immunoglobulin G4 to foods. Clin Chem Lab Med. 2008;46(5):687-690. doi: 10.1515/CCLM.2008.131.