The food sensitivities no one is testing for, & why they matter

You might think you’re in the clear if your food sensitivity test shows no issues, or you've cut foods out (yet you still have symptoms).

IgG & IgM food sensitivity testing

There could be a problem. MOST food panels TEST IgG or IgM ONLY (delayed and early sensitivities), and miss low-level IgE reactions that can trigger inflammation.

low-level IgE reactions

IgE is the antibody responsible for classic allergic reactions eg hives, anaphylaxis, or sneezing.

But NOT ALL IgE responses are dramatic. Some are LOW-LEVEL, chronic, and delayed, leading to symptoms that fly under the radar like

  • Chronic sinus issues or postnasal drip

  • Eczema or rashes

  • Gut discomfort or IBS

  • Fatigue, brain fog, or anxiety

These 'silent' reactions are still driven by IgE, but often do not show up on IgG/IgM food sensitivity tests.

Many common food tests don't check for IgE.

Many also don't test the complement system (like C3d), which can amplify inflammation, or help neutralise allergic responses.

Another complication is that some people have 'non-atopic' IgE sensitivity, where IgE levels are low but still biologically active enough to drive symptoms. Standard skin prick tests or total IgE may miss these.

So if you’ve eliminated foods based on IgG tests but still feel inflamed, itchy, or reactive, don’t rule out food as a culprit.

Food reactivity isn’t one-dimensional—and neither should your testing be.

CHRONIC ILLNESS, FAMILY HEALTH, FOOD AS MEDICINE, IMMUNITYGutsy by Nutritionfood allergies, food sensivities, IgE, IgG, IgMComment