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Infinite Food Sensitivity Test

Food allergies and intolerances are rapidly becoming recognized as significant triggers for initiating immune-mediated responses and inflammatory symptoms in individuals.

Metaflammation (a new term used in the clinical literature) is a chronic state of hyperimmune issues that include increased production of inflammatory cytokine release. Current literature supports that food allergies, intolerances and sensitivities are directly tied to metainflammatory sequelae and the release of GUT mucosal IgE and IgG type antibodies.

Screening for food allergies, sensitivities, and intolerances helps determine where your patient “is” regarding underlying gut/immune responses. Identification of offending foods can provide valuable insight into dietary suggestions to help patients with their inability to overcome chronic inflammatory processes even with currently accepted treatments.

Food intolerances/sensitivities should be assessed as a baseline to promote health and well-being. Chronic inflammatory conditions like autoimmunity, skin conditions, allergies, IBS, colitis type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance, thyroid issues, cardiovascular issues, cognitive decline, and sex hormone imbalances are all areas where knowledge of food allergies and sensitivities could add tremendous insight to management of these conditions.

Why Test IgG Antibodies

IgG-mediated food sensitivities and intolerance issues are much more common than true food allergies.

Antibodies are proteins made by the immune system that attack antigens such as bacteria, viruses, and allergens. They can become confused or cross-reactive and begin attacking foods instead.

IgG (IMMUNOGLOBULIN G, TOTAL): are antibodies that provide long-term resistance to infections and have a much longer half-life than an IgE allergy. This food sensitivity can be more subtle than allergies, and many people live with it for years, if not their entire lives.

IgG symptoms typically occur within 3-72 hours after the offending food was ingested and will create ongoing inflammation that can worsen most conditions. Sensitivity symptoms range from:

• Fatigue
• Headache
• Nausea
• Seizures
• Hyperactivity
• Boating
• Mood changes
• IBS
• IBD
• Joint pain
• Weight gain
• Dark circles under the eyes.

The degree and severity of symptoms vary significantly from person to person because of genetic makeup. Eliminating IgG-positive foods may improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, autism, ADHD, cystic fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and epilepsy, as demonstrated in numerous clinical studies. It is essential to get tested for food sensitivities to know what foods work for the patient’s body and what foods don’t. If you only look at allergies or IgE, you will miss the IgG-mediated symptoms, creating an incomplete picture.

Why Test C3d/b Proteins?

C3d/b (COMPLEMENT COMPONENT 3): are proteins of the innate immune system which can be activated by microorganisms in the absence of an antibody.

When C3d/b is activated in response to an antigen, the C3 portion attaches to the antigen. This activation, even though independent, will amplify the reaction that occurs with total IgG, significantly increasing inflammation and sensitivity symptoms. This same reaction that was designed to amplify inflammation to microorganisms can be triggered in response to foods. If complement is present, it will amplify

an IgG reaction as much as 10,000-fold. Therefore, tests that only measure IgG may miss the reactions to foods that are most clinically relevant. Complement Explained.

Important Info

No antihistamines or steroids 72 hours before taking the test.

We recommend consuming a small amount of food you have not eaten within 72 hours of taking the test if medically possible. For example: If you have not eaten Gluten in a period and are NOT Celiac, eat ½ a slice of bread within 72 hours of your blood draw.

GI Effects

What is the GI Test?

The GI test is a group of advanced stool tests that assess digestive function, intestinal inflammation, and the intestinal microbiome to assist in managing gastrointestinal health. Gut microorganisms are codependent on one another, and their human host and the health of one affect the other.

What is the GI Comprehensive Test?

Enhancements in testing make interpretation quicker and easier to prioritize treatment and assess microbiome status.

The report will now synthesize findings by integrating a novel, proprietary scoring system. These Functional Imbalance Scores will help direct targeted therapeutic recommendations with support options included on the front page of the report. Clinicians can prioritize test findings and treatment based on score severity and can track scores over time. Biomarkers are grouped and scored in 5 key areas relating to GI function:

1. Maldigestion
2. Inflammation
3. Dysbiosis
4. Metabolite Imbalance
5. Infection

Which Patients is the GI Test Best Used For?

Extensive scientific research associates an imbalance of the normal gut microbiota or dysbiosis to gastrointestinal conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and wider systemic alterations such as celiac disease, cardiovascular disease, neurological disorders, malnutrition, skin conditions, autoimmune disorders, immune system imbalances, and multiple inflammatory disorders.

The GI Test will report on biomarkers analysis, providing comprehensive information for developing strategic interventions. Symptoms usually improve as identified functional inadequacies and imbalances are normalized through lifestyle, targeted dietary, and supplementation therapeutics.

What Does The GI Test Measure?

The GI Test can reveal critical information about the root cause of gastrointestinal symptoms such as gas, diarrhea, bloating, indigestion, abdominal pain, and constipation.

Several biomarkers are analyzed to define a diagnosis. For example, fecal calprotectin is studied to differentiate between IBD and IBS. The GI Comprehensive test can be considered to evaluate patients with a clinical history that suggests a gastrointestinal infection or dysbiosis.

The specific biomarkers measured in this test are related to:

Digestion/Absorption:

• Pancreatic Elastase-1
• Products of Protein Breakdown
• Fecal Fat

Inflammation/Immunology:

• Calprotectin
• Eosinophil Protein X
• Fecal Secretory IgA
• Fecal Occult Blood

Gut Microbiome

• Metabolic indicators
• Commensal Bacteria
• Bacterial and mycology cultures
• Bacterial and mycology sensitivities
• Parasitology
• Campylobacter
• Clostridium difficile
• Escherichia coli
• Helicobacter pylori
• Fecal Lactoferrin
• Macro Exam for Worms
• Zonulin Family Peptide
• KOH Preparation for Yeast

The GI Test combines a selection of high throughput methodologies for the microbiome study. 16S rRNA gene polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification technique for anaerobic commensal bacteria with Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) technology and standard microscopic ova and parasite detection with Next-Generation DNA sequencing for Blastocystis spp.

The report will provide the results of the biomarkers analyzed, grouped, and scored in 5 key areas relating to GI function: Maldigestion, Inflammation, Dysbiosis, Metabolite Imbalance, and Infection. A positive result on one or more fecal biomarker tests may guide treatment options or may define or eliminate a diagnosis from further consideration.

What Type of Sample is Needed to Complete the GI Test?

A stool sample collected over three days is required for the test. Stool samples are shipped to the lab for sample analysis.

There is clear information to patients for sample collection. If taking antibiotics, antiparasitics, antifungals, or probiotic supplements, it is recommended that patients wait for a minimum of 14 days after the last dose before commencing the test; 28 days may be preferred after antibiotics treatment.

Total Tox

The Total Tox-Burden panel combines the Environmental Toxins, Mycotoxins, and Heavy Metals tests to measure a variety of toxins.

These toxins are absorbed from our stomachs, skin, respiratory tract, and mucous membranes. They come from the air we breathe, our house hold products, the food that we consume, and our environment. Toxins are endocrine disruptors, carcinogens, and immune activators. They trigger our bodies to constantly be working behind the scenes, and take a lot of our energy away from us for our day to day living. By triggering our immune systems chronically, they can influence auto-immune conditions as well.

Who should have this test done?

• Auto-immune condition (or suspecting an auto-immune condition)
• Cancer or history of cancer
• Metabolic dysfunction
• Brain fog, fatigue, forgetful
• Thyroid or hormone dysfunction

Hormone Testing

What is the DUTCH Complete

While there are many hormone tests on the market, one of the most popular is the DUTCH Complete.

This test comprehensively assesses sex and adrenal hormones and their metabolites. It also includes the daily free cortisol pattern, organic acids, melatonin (6-OHMS), and 8-OHdG.

Which Patients is the Dutch Complete Best Used For?

The DUTCH Complete provides a comprehensive analysis of a patient’s hormone levels, giving you all the information you need for a baseline hormone assessment or monitoring hormone-replacement therapy.

Unique methods are used for improved monitoring of oral progesterone and vaginal hormones.

What Type of Sample is Needed to Complete the Dutch Complete

This test consists of a simple, four-point, dried urine collection, making it easy for patients to complete at home.

*This test cannot be ordered for patients under 12 years of age.

Micronutrients

What is the Micronutrients Panel Test?

The Micronutrients Panel from Vibrant America is the only test that provides a comprehensive extracellular and intracellular assessment of the levels of the most important vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fatty acids, and amino acids.

Micronutrients are vitamins and minerals required in small quantities to ensure normal metabolism, growth, and physical well‐being.

• Vitamins are essential organic nutrients, most of which are not made in the body and must be obtained from food.
• Minerals are inorganic nutrients that play a key role in an individual’s health. They are found in trace or small quantities in the body and are obtained from food.

Intracellular and Extracellular Micronutrients

Micronutrients can also be divided into intracellular and extracellular micronutrients. Knowing both your extracellular and intracellular micronutrient levels are key to a thorough understanding of your nutritional requirements at a foundational level, which may contribute to your risk for disease, while simultaneously and positively impacting your overall health and well-being.

• Extracellular micronutrients are free-floating in the blood and exist outside the cells. They can be determined in serum as a static measure of what is in the blood at any given time. Thus, they depend on the short-term intake of supplements or diet reflecting a person’s diet over a relatively narrow time frame.
• Intracellular micronutrients are the micronutrients absorbed by the circulating white and red blood cells. This is an important step in maintaining and promoting the optimal functioning of all our cells.

Although a patient may be consuming an adequate or healthy diet or supplements, the cellular intake levels may not be sufficient and may still represent a risk for deficiencies and disorders associated with them.

Almost every physiological function in the body requires micronutrients for optimal function. They are required for producing and releasing energy, strengthening the immune system, reducing systemic inflammation, protecting against free radical damage, maintaining a healthy hormonal balance, maintaining insulin sensitivity, slowing down cellular aging, promoting the health of all tissues, protecting against the development, progression, and recurrence of cancer.

An individual’s genetics, lifestyle, aging, chronic illness, and medication consumption affect cellular nutrient absorption. The intracellular analysis of the Micronutrients Panel considers all this to identify your cellular nutrient absorption status. The test can reveal a person’s functional nutritional status over a longer time (4-6 months) than extracellular testing.

Which Patients is the Micronutrients Panel Test Best Used For?

• The test is recommended for individuals who suffer from chronic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, arthritis, skin problems, numbness/tingling in your hands or feet, weakened immune system, digestive issues/disorders like celiac, wheat sensitivity, IBS, IBD, and SIBO.
• It is also recommended for patients experiencing advanced aging, stress, tiredness, or suffering chronic fatigue and depression.
• Individuals with a history of long-term use of prescription medications, poor diet, and obesity should also consider this test.
• People on special diets such as Vegan or Vegetarian athletes or individuals who exercise regularly may also want to request this test.

What Does Micronutrients Panel Test Measure?

The test measures 40 different vitamins and minerals with the addition of amino acids and fatty acids, RBC, and Omega fatty acids. White Blood Cells (WBC) levels are normalized to the total WBC count for the analysis.

What Type of Sample is Needed to Complete the Micronutrients Panel Test?

Three tubes of blood will need to be drawn for the test. It is recommended to stay off supplements for a week before taking this test, and it is not necessary to fast before a blood draw.

Organic Acid Test

What is the Organic Acids Test?

The Organic Acids test (OAT) from Great Plains Laboratory provides a comprehensive metabolic analysis of a patient’s overall health, including intestinal yeast and bacteria, vitamin and mineral levels, oxidative stress, neurotransmitter levels, and oxalates.

People with chronic illnesses and neurological disorders usually excrete several abnormal organic acids in their urine. Several causes can drive these high levels, including oral antibiotic use, immune deficiencies, high sugar diets, infections, and genetic factors.

Metabolic processes in the body produce organic acids from the digestion of protein, carbohydrates, and fat. These acids generate cellular energy and provide many fundamental pieces necessary for cell function.

Organic acids are, therefore, chemical compounds products of metabolism excreted in the urine.

The measurement of organic acids provides a way for the physician to perform a functional assessment of the patient nutrient status. A high accumulation of organic acids in urine can suggest a metabolic inhibition or block due to an inherited enzyme deficit, a nutrient deficiency, toxic build-up, or the consequence of a drug effect.

Vitamins and minerals are required for the correct functioning of the enzymes responsible for metabolizing organic acids. Thus, an increase in organic acids in the urine can reflect a functional need for these nutrients on a cellular and biochemical level, even when a serum analysis reflects normal results.

The results of the test can guide the physician with recommendations for nutrient supplementation.

Which Patients is the Organic Acids Test Best Used For?

The Organic Acids Test should be considered for those patients presenting symptoms such as:  

• Mood Disorders
• Mitochondrial Dysfunction
• Fatigue
• Chronic Stress
• Inflammation

Diseases Associated with Increased Organic Acid Levels:

• Diabetes
• Cardiovascular disease
• Depression
• Anorexia
• Anxiety
• Neuro-cognitive decline
• Cancer

What Does Organic Acids Test Measure?

The test analyzes over 76 markers in a urine sample. The analysis includes measuring Organic Acids and markers for vitamin and mineral levels, oxidative stress, and neurotransmitter levels.

Importantly, this test also includes markers for oxalates, which are highly correlated with many chronic illnesses.

Almost all organic acids are measured by a combination of gas or liquid chromatography linked with mass spectrometry.

Organic acids are most commonly analyzed in urine since they are not reabsorbed in the kidney tubules after glomerular filtration. This is why organic acids in urine are often present at 100 times their concentration in the serum.

What Type of Sample is Needed to Complete the Organic Acids Test?

• A first-in-the-morning urine sample is required for the test.
• Fasting is needed overnight.
• Patients should avoid apples, grapes, raisins, pears, cranberries, and their juices, arabinogalactan, reishi mushrooms, echinacea, and ribose supplements for 48 hours prior specimen collection.

Genetic Psychiatric Medication Testing

This is a saliva test that offers testing of 9 pharmacokinetic genes, 2 pharmacodynamic genes, and 2 immunological genes to determine how your body is able to process over 110 medications.

Who should get this test?

Anyone who has struggled with psychiatric illness that has either been resistant to medication, or has struggled to find the medication works best for you.