Food Intolerance Tests

Food intolerance is sometimes confused with allergy. However the symptoms and underlying mechanisms are different. Some research suggests that abnormal IgG antibodiy responses to food proteins may play a role in the development of the condition.In contrast to allergy, intolerance symptoms are less dramatic and may often relate to the amount of the offending food consumed. Complaints relating to food intolerance may be vague and low grade include. Symptoms commonly attributed to food intolerance include:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Abdominal bloating
• Weight Gain
• Constipation/ diarrhoea
• Chronic Fatigue
• Headaches
• Acne and other skin conditions

Symptoms of intolerance may often be delayed with a 2-3 day interval exposure to the trigger food and their onset. This is why food intolerance is sometimes referred to as “hidden” food allergies. A simple blood test can be used to test for intolerances. The skin in punctured and small sample of blood is collected and then sent away to a laboratory for testing. It can take up to one week for results to return. If the test reveals positive results the patient will receive a call from an accredited nutritionist and exclusion of the foods for a trial period will be recommended for that individual. A diary of symptoms ought to be kept over time to determine whether an improvement is apparent

Cost €350