What should you know about an IgG food intolerance test?

Immunoglobulin G, or IgG, is an antibody made by the immune system. Some commercial panels measure IgG that reacts with many foods. This can reflect exposure or tolerance rather than a harmful reaction. The result cannot, on its own, establish that a food causes bloating, diarrhoea, abdominal pain or another symptom.

Food intolerance is different from a food allergy. Allergy reactions involve a distinct immune pathway and may require urgent treatment. A symptom pattern, food diary and a clinician's assessment are more useful than removing every food named on a broad panel. Unnecessary restriction can make meals harder to balance and may hide the actual trigger.

Take the report to a doctor or registered dietitian, especially if you have already removed foods or your symptoms affect eating. Record what you ate, when symptoms began, how long they lasted and whether the same pattern recurs. The clinician may consider other explanations and may suggest a structured elimination followed by planned reintroduction, rather than relying on the panel alone.

Do not stop a food that has caused throat swelling, breathing difficulty, faintness or rapid widespread hives and then test it at home. Those features need allergy-focused advice. For ongoing digestive symptoms, read about [Food Intolerance](/conditions/food-intolerance/) and [Food Intolerance Testing](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/food-intolerance-testing/). Nutrition counselling can help protect variety while a plan is being assessed.

Seek urgent help for trouble breathing, swelling of the lips or tongue, fainting, confusion or a rapidly spreading allergic-type rash after eating. Arrange medical review for persistent vomiting, blood in the stool, severe or worsening abdominal pain, dehydration, unexplained weight loss or symptoms that repeatedly interrupt daily activities. Bloating or diarrhoea that continues deserves assessment even when an IgG panel suggests several foods.

Ask which diagnosis fits your symptoms, whether any food should be avoided immediately, how to test a suspected food safely, and whether you need a dietitian. You can also ask what other conditions or tests should be considered before changing your diet.