Symptoms associated with food sensitivities develop slowly over time and can create inflammation and contribute to symptoms of a variety of diseases. The RMA FST™ IgG Food Sensitivity test can help identify potential food sensitivities and take the guess work out of your diet.
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 to over 220 different 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 test panels are available:
RMA FST™ Enhanced: tests for over 220 food antigens $599
RMA FST™ Vegetarian: tests for over 160 food antigens $519
RMA FST™ Basic: tests for over 125 food antigens $419
Add-ons:
- Add Antigen $49
- Add Candida Standalone $179
- Add Candida (To another RMA FST™ Panel) $119
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 is the test performed?
Blood sample
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 healthcare provider. They will collect payment, and explain the process for collecting your test sample during your consultation.
If working with a Medical Doctor (available in Ontario only): Samples for IgG testing may be taken at any LifeLabs Patient Service Centres (PSC). Your doctor may use the LifeLabs requisition form and indicate “FST Enhanced”, “FST Vegetarian” or “FST Basic” in the “Other” column. You will be asked to pay for the test when you arrive at the LifeLabs PSC to have your blood work done. Doctors will not be required to process payment for this test.
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The details for each test panel are available here.
Understanding your results
Test results will be provided directly to your healthcare provider within 7 to 10 business days 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.
Testing is EASY
- Testing Kits available at our Naturopathic clinic
- Blood Draw offered by our Naturopath in-charge
