Description

Are you reacting to many different foods and unsure what contributes to your symptoms?

The P88 DAT is a comprehensive test that evaluates reactions involving IgE, IgG, IgG4, and complement (C3d) to 88 common dietary foods. This test helps identify and manage food allergies and sensitivities, particularly in patients with chronic illnesses.

IgE (immunoglobulin E) triggers immediate allergic responses to foreign substances, whether ingested or inhaled. These reactions can cause severe symptoms such as breathing difficulties, swelling, and hives and, in severe cases, lead to anaphylactic shock. The P88 test measures blood levels of IgE, one of the five antibody subclasses. Antibodies, proteins produced by the immune system, attack antigens like bacteria, viruses, and allergens. In some cases, antibodies can mistakenly target food proteins, causing allergic reactions.

IgG (immunoglobulin G) antibodies provide long-term defence against infections and have a longer action duration than IgE. IgG-mediated food sensitivities often go unnoticed for years, leading to chronic symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, nausea, seizures, hyperactivity, bloating, mood changes, or dark circles under the eyes. Symptoms typically appear 3-72 hours after consuming the offending food, making it difficult to identify without testing. IgG antibodies can cause ongoing inflammation, worsening other health conditions. Genetic factors contribute to the variability in symptoms among individuals. Eliminating IgG-positive foods can significantly improve symptoms of conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, autism, ADHD, cystic fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and epilepsy.

IgG4 (immunoglobulin G subtype 4) is an antibody in infection defence and allergy therapy. It reduces histamine responses by blocking IgE from binding to receptors, thereby preventing allergic reactions. However, excessive IgG4 can lead to immune-mediated conditions such as IgG4-Related Disease (IgG4-RD), affecting organs like the esophagus (e.g., Eosinophilic Esophagitis) and the thyroid, contributing to autoimmune thyroiditis and IgG4-RD of the ovaries and prostate. Monitoring IgG4 levels is crucial for maintaining immune balance.

C3D (Complement) is a protein in the innate immune system that responds to microorganisms independently of antibodies. When activated by an antigen, C3d enhances the inflammatory response, significantly increasing the sensitivity symptoms associated with IgG. This amplification can also occur in response to food antigens, making the complement system a critical factor in food sensitivity. Tests that only measure IgG may overlook clinically significant reactions that involve complement. High complement reactivity should prompt careful consideration of food triggers.

The P88 DAT test utilizes advanced technology to measure the body’s response to food through four distinct mechanisms. It is the first test to incorporate fingerstick technology with an activated tip, allowing for minimal discomfort while collecting sufficient samples to test over 350 food reactions from a single test.

You can find out more about the test here.

The product includes a functional test, analysis and interpretation of your results.

Test requirements: The test requires a bloodspot sample, which you can do at home.

You should receive your test kit within three working days of your order.

VJ Hamilton, BSc, RNT

VJ Hamilton is a Registered Nutritionist (BANT) and an expert in autoimmune disease. VJ combines her knowledge from her medical science degree in Biochemistry & Immunology with Nutritional Therapy to offer a thorough and personalised approach to support her clients based on the most current scientific research. VJ runs a virtual and in-person nutritional therapy and functional medicine practice, The Autoimmunity Nutritionist, specialising in gut skin and immune health.