Understanding Lab Tests for Food Intolerance
Written by Private MD Labs Medical Writing Team • Last Updated: September 8, 2025
Food intolerance is a non-allergic adverse reaction to certain foods that can cause uncomfortable digestive symptoms such as bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Unlike food allergies, food intolerances typically involve delayed reactions and are not life-threatening, but they can significantly impact quality of life.
Top Recommended Test
IgG4 Food Panel IV
This comprehensive panel tests for IgG4 antibodies against multiple foods, including those high in FODMAPs like cauliflower and sweet potatoes. These foods can cause digestive symptoms such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea in individuals with food intolerances, particularly those with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
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The Role of Blood Testing in Food Intolerance
While food intolerance is often diagnosed through elimination diets and symptom tracking, blood tests measuring food-specific IgG antibodies can provide valuable insights into potential food sensitivities. These tests measure immune responses that may indicate which foods your body has difficulty processing, helping to guide dietary modifications.
Understanding IgG Food Testing
IgG (Immunoglobulin G) food testing measures delayed immune reactions to specific foods. Elevated IgG levels to particular foods may suggest that your immune system is responding to those foods in a way that could contribute to digestive discomfort and other symptoms associated with food intolerance.
Other Relevant Tests
Food Specific IgG Beet Root
This test measures IgG antibodies specific to beet root. Increased levels can indicate a non-allergic food hypersensitivity to beet root, often presenting with symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, or headaches after consumption.
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Food Specific IgG Buckwheat
Elevated IgG levels specific to buckwheat may indicate a non-allergic food intolerance. While this reaction doesn't involve the traditional immune system response, it can cause uncomfortable symptoms like bloating, stomach pain, and diarrhea.
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Food Specific IgG Lima Bean
This test measures IgG antibodies to lima beans. Elevated levels may indicate food intolerance to lima beans, which can lead to various symptoms including bloating, stomach pain, and fatigue, though it is not life-threatening like a food allergy.
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Allergen Specific IgG Bean Green/String
While not indicating a true allergy, elevated IgG antibodies to green beans can suggest food intolerance. Symptoms are typically gastrointestinal and may include bloating, gas, and diarrhea after consuming green beans.
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Red Kidney Bean (f287) IgG
Elevated IgG levels specific to red kidney beans can suggest food intolerance to this legume. Unlike allergies, this condition is not life-threatening but can cause significant discomfort including bloating, stomach cramps, and diarrhea.
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Important Considerations
Food intolerance testing should be interpreted alongside clinical symptoms and dietary history. While IgG testing can provide valuable information, it's important to work with a healthcare provider to develop an appropriate elimination and reintroduction plan based on your test results and symptoms.
The information here is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment of food intolerances.
