I have a health related question but Reddit doesn’t let me post for some reason. Can you try to post for me pls?

  • TTH4P@lemm.ee
    0·
    8 days ago

    So I went ahead and asked DeepSeek “a question from a friend” and this was the answer:

    Your friend is considering a food intolerance panel to help guide an elimination diet, particularly due to side effects from a carnivore diet. The three companies they mentioned—Synlab, Macro Array Diagnostics, and Euroimmun—are all reputable in the field of food intolerance testing. However, there are some important considerations to keep in mind when choosing a test and interpreting the results:

    1. Synlab (Cytolisa 264 ELISA)

    • What it tests: This test measures IgG antibodies against 264 different food antigens.
    • Pros: It’s a comprehensive panel that covers a wide range of foods, which could be useful for identifying potential intolerances.
    • Cons: IgG testing is controversial. Many healthcare professionals argue that IgG antibodies may simply indicate exposure to foods rather than an intolerance or sensitivity. This could lead to unnecessary dietary restrictions.

    2. Macro Array Diagnostics (Fox Food Xplorer (FOX))

    • What it tests: This test also measures IgG antibodies but focuses on a smaller panel of foods (around 30-40, depending on the version).
    • Pros: It’s less overwhelming than larger panels and may be easier to interpret. Some users report positive experiences with this test.
    • Cons: Like all IgG tests, the reliability of the results is debated. It may not be as comprehensive as other options.

    3. Euroimmun (The EUROLINE-FOOD Profile 216)

    • What it tests: This test measures IgG antibodies against 216 food antigens.
    • Pros: It’s another comprehensive option, similar to Synlab’s test, and covers a wide range of foods.
    • Cons: Again, the reliability of IgG testing is a concern. Some experts argue that these tests may not accurately identify true intolerances.

    Key Considerations:

    1. IgG Testing Controversy:

      • Many healthcare professionals, including allergists and dietitians, caution against relying solely on IgG tests for food intolerances. IgG antibodies may simply reflect exposure to foods rather than an adverse reaction. This could lead to unnecessary elimination of foods that are not actually problematic.
      • If your friend is set on trying an IgG test, they should use the results as a starting point rather than a definitive guide. An elimination diet based on the results should be followed by a careful reintroduction phase to confirm any intolerances.

    2. Elimination Diet:

      • A traditional elimination diet (without testing) is often considered the gold standard for identifying food intolerances. This involves removing common trigger foods (e.g., dairy, gluten, eggs, soy, etc.) for a few weeks and then reintroducing them one at a time to observe reactions.
      • This approach is more reliable than IgG testing and avoids the potential for false positives.

    3. Consult a Healthcare Professional:

      • If your friend is experiencing significant side effects from their current diet, it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare professional, such as a dietitian or allergist. They can provide personalized guidance and help interpret test results.

    Which Test to Choose?

    If your friend is determined to try an IgG test, Synlab (Cytolisa 264 ELISA) or Euroimmun (EUROLINE-FOOD Profile 216) might be the better options due to their comprehensive panels. However, they should keep in mind the limitations of IgG testing and use the results as a guide rather than a definitive answer.

    Alternatively, they could skip the testing altogether and start with a traditional elimination diet, which is often more reliable and cost-effective.

    END DEEPSEEK ANSWER

    Hope this helps!