Add-On: IgG Spices

The IgG Spices panel measures IgG antibodies to 23 culinary herbs and spices to determine sensitivities. This test can be added to any other immunology profile.

What is the Add-on: IgG Spices by Genova Diagnostics?

This is a serum test that assesses for IgG antibodies produced in response to allergies to the following potentially allergenic foods:

• Vanilla
• Cumin
• Mustard
• Peppermint
• Rosemary
• Nutmeg
• Marjoram
• Cinnamon
• Black Pepper
• Thyme
• Sage
• Paprika
• Cloves
• Curry
• Allspice
• Basil
• Parsley
• Oregano
• Dill
• Cayenne Pepper
• Fennel Seed
• Bay Leaf
• Ginger
  

Additionally, it contains a Total IgE score.

What is the Clinical Relevance of the Add-On: IgG Spices by Genova Diagnostics?

Food sensitivity testing using IgG antibodies is employed in this Add-On panel due to its potential clinical relevance in identifying delayed immune responses to specific food antigens. 

While IgE-mediated food allergies typically provoke immediate hypersensitivity reactions, IgG-mediated responses are associated with delayed onset reactions, making them challenging to diagnose clinically. However, accumulating evidence suggests that IgG antibody testing for food sensitivities may shed light for clinicians. [3., 5., 7.]  

Some studies indicate that IgG-mediated immune responses might contribute to the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal inflammation.  [6.] 

By detecting IgG antibodies to specific food antigens, the Add-On IgG Food Antibodies panel aims to identify potential triggers for immune-mediated reactions and provide insights into personalized dietary modifications to alleviate symptoms and improve overall health outcomes.

In addition to reporting IgG responses to 87 common food triggers, this Add-On panel contains a Total IgE score, which may help clinicians understand if a patient’s symptoms are being driven by an IgE-mediated allergic response.  [1.]

Who Can Benefit from the Add-On: IgG Spices by Genova Diagnostics?

Individuals experiencing chronic digestive issues: many patients experience frustrating digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), bloating, gas, diarrhea, or constipation yet receive no answers.  This Add-On Panel may provide insight into food sensitivities that have been linked to gastrointestinal symptoms.  [2.] 

Those suffering from skin conditions: eczema, psoriasis, or chronic urticaria may be linked to food sensitivities that exacerbate these dermatological conditions.  [4.]

People with autoimmune disorders: emerging evidence suggests a potential association between food sensitivities and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Hashimoto's thyroiditis.  [2.]

Individuals experiencing unexplained symptoms without relief: fatigue, brain fog, headaches, joint pain, or mood disturbances, as these symptoms are often associated with food sensitivities and immune-mediated reactions.  [5.]

People struggling to lose weight: those people who find weight loss challenging despite typical diet and lifestyle interventions may benefit from a food sensitivity assessment.  [8.]

This test may also benefit those seeking to optimize their diet and overall health by identifying potential triggers for immune-mediated responses and making informed dietary modifications accordingly. 

It is important to note that every result should be interpreted within the context of the individual’s health history. 

Collection and Shipping

This is an Add-On test.  For full collection and shipping instructions, click here.

References

[1.] Chung D, Park KT, Yarlagadda B, Davis EM, Platt M. The significance of serum total immunoglobulin E for in vitro diagnosis of allergic rhinitis. Int Forum Allergy Rhinol. 2014 Jan;4(1):56-60. doi: 10.1002/alr.21240. Epub 2013 Nov 12. PMID: 24227797.

[2.] Coucke F. Food intolerance in patients with manifest autoimmunity. Observational study. Autoimmun Rev. 2018 Nov;17(11):1078-1080. doi: 10.1016/j.autrev.2018.05.011. Epub 2018 Sep 11. PMID: 30213697.

[3.] Geiselman JF. The Clinical Use of IgG Food Sensitivity Testing with Migraine Headache Patients: a Literature Review. Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2019 Aug 27;23(11):79. doi: 10.1007/s11916-019-0819-4. PMID: 31456119.

[4.] Laura, Jong, Constance, et al. IgG Antibodies in Food Allergy Influence Allergen–Antibody Complex Formation and Binding to B Cells: A Role for Complement Receptors. Journal of Immunology. 2013;191(7):3526-3533. doi:https://doi.org/10.4049/jimmunol.1202398

[5.] Shakoor Z, AlFaifi A, AlAmro B, AlTawil LN, AlOhaly RY. Prevalence of IgG-mediated food intolerance among patients with allergic symptoms. Ann Saudi Med. 2016 Nov-Dec;36(6):386-390. doi: 10.5144/0256-4947.2016.386. PMID: 27920409; PMCID: PMC6074204.

[6.] Simeonova D, Ivanovska M, Murdjeva M, Carvalho AF, Maes M. Recognizing the Leaky Gut as a Trans-diagnostic Target for Neuroimmune Disorders Using Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Immunology Assays. Curr Top Med Chem. 2018;18(19):1641-1655. doi: 10.2174/1568026618666181115100610. PMID: 30430944.

[7.] Vita AA, Zwickey H, Bradley R. Associations between food-specific IgG antibodies and intestinal permeability biomarkers. Front Nutr. 2022 Sep 6;9:962093. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2022.962093. PMID: 36147305; PMCID: PMC9485556.

[8.] Wilders-Truschnig M, Mangge H, Lieners C, Gruber H, Mayer C, März W. IgG antibodies against food antigens are correlated with inflammation and intima media thickness in obese juveniles. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes. 2008 Apr;116(4):241-5. doi: 10.1055/s-2007-993165. Epub 2007 Dec 10. PMID: 18072008.