Food Intolerance Testing

Physical reactions to certain foods are common, but most are caused by a food intolerance rather than a food allergy. A food intolerance can cause some of the same signs and symptoms as a food allergy, so people often confuse the two.

A true food allergy causes an immune system reaction that affects numerous organs in the body. It can cause a range of symptoms. In some cases, an allergic reaction to a food can be severe or life-threatening. In contrast, food intolerance symptoms are generally less serious and often limited to digestive problems.

If you have a food intolerance, you may be able to eat small amounts of the offending food without trouble. You may also be able to prevent a reaction. For example, if you have lactose intolerance, you may be able to drink lactose-free milk or take lactase enzyme pills (Lactaid) to aid digestion.

Causes of food intolerance include:

Absence of an enzyme needed to fully digest a food. Lactose intolerance is a common example.
Irritable bowel syndrome. This chronic condition can cause cramping, constipation and diarrhoea.
Food poisoning. Toxins such as bacteria in spoiled food can cause severe digestive symptoms.
Sensitivity to food additives. For example, sulfites used to preserve dried fruit, canned goods and wine can trigger asthma attacks in sensitive people.
Recurring stress or psychological factors. Sometimes the mere thought of a food may make you sick. The reason is not fully understood.
Coeliac disease. Coeliac disease has some features of a true food allergy because it involves the immune system. However, symptoms are mostly gastrointestinal, and people with coeliac disease are not at risk of anaphylaxis. This chronic digestive condition is triggered by eating gluten, a protein found in wheat and other grains.

Food Intolerance Tests

How does the process start

Before arranging any functional testing, I do need to undertake an initial nutritional therapy consultation. As a BANT-registered nutritional therapist, I need to first understand your symptoms, health history, diet and lifestyle so that I can determine whether testing is appropriate for you and whether this particular test is the most suitable for your individual circumstances

Our Food Intolerance tests are carried out on a patient’s blood sample collected from a finger-prick into the blood collection tube, this can be carried out in clinic or at home. The antibody reactivity associated with each food can be compared to allow the practitioner to devise an optimal dietary regime based on food antibody level. The results are given in U/ml.

Sample requirements and test turnaround
A simple pin-prick blood sample is all that’s required. Results are available within 10 working days of sample receipt.

Choose from a comprehensive range of food lists:
The flexibility of our test permit a wide range of food panels to be offered. See chart below.

Reports
FoodPrint® reports are prepared in a Group format where results from similar types of foods are listed together.

The FoodPrint® Group Report presents the results of each food group together (e.g. fish, fruit)
Each food is classified under the Avoid, Borderline or No Reaction column
Foods under the Avoid column should be avoided for a period of 2-3 months after which time they can be re-introduced one by one
Intake of foods in the Borderline category should be moderated

See below for ordering your test (after your initial consultation)

How to order your test is simple

STEP 1: Click here to complete our online Food intolerance test order form

Please ensure that you complete ALL sections.

Choose the test that you require and we will take the appropriate payment from the card details that you supply.

Food Intolerance test panel range