TrophoScan® 2.0: New Analysis of Food Intolerances using IgG and IgA

Continuous medical technology advances allow us to better understand our bodies' reactions to various foods. One of the most recent developments in this area is the launch of TrophoScan 2.0, an advanced diagnostic tool that allows the simultaneous testing of specific IgG and IgA antibodies against food in the blood serum. This article examines the importance of this new version, focusing on the usefulness of IgA antibodies in diagnosing and managing food intolerances.

Food Intolerances and Immune Responses

Food intolerances are a group of adverse reactions of the body to certain foods, which do not involve the immune system, such as food allergies. While the production of IgE antibodies primarily causes allergies and leads to immediate reactions, intolerances are often associated with the production of other types of antibodies, such as IgG and IgA, and the reactions can be delayed or chronic.

The Role of IgA Antibodies in Food Intolerances

IgA antibodies are critical in the body's immune response, particularly on mucous surfaces like the gastrointestinal system. Their presence helps protect the body from pathogenic microorganisms and prevents the penetration of unwanted substances through the intestinal mucosa. In the case of food intolerances, detecting specific IgA antibodies can indicate the body's immune response to particular foods, even if there are no obvious allergy symptoms.

TrophoScan 2.0: Innovation in Diagnosis

TrophoScan 2.0 is essential in diagnosing food intolerances, as it allows the simultaneous detection and measurement of specific IgG and IgA antibodies against many foods. This means that a single blood test can assess the body's immune response to various foods, providing a comprehensive picture of possible intolerances. The ability to measure IgG and IgA antibodies simultaneously increases the accuracy of diagnosis and helps better understand the mechanisms involved in food intolerances.

Usefulness of IgA in Diagnosing Food Intolerances

Measuring specific IgA antibodies helps diagnose certain food intolerances, such as celiac disease. In this case, IgA antibodies against tissue transglutaminase (tTG) and endomysial (EMA) as well as against gliadin peptides (aDGP) are used as markers for the diagnosis of the disease. The presence of these antibodies in the blood serum indicates the immune response to gluten, leading to damage to the intestinal mucosa. In addition, the measurement of IgA antibodies can be used to monitor patients' compliance with a gluten-free diet, as their levels decrease with gluten abstinence.

In addition to celiac disease, measuring IgA antibodies can be helpful in other situations of food intolerance. For example, in cases where there are symptoms of malabsorption or chronic diarrhea, detecting elevated levels of specific IgA antibodies may indicate an immune response to particular foods, helping to diagnose and manage the condition.

Advantages of TrophoScan 2.0

The ability to simultaneously measure IgG and IgA antibodies offers multiple advantages:

Comprehensive Assessment: The combined analysis of IgG and IgA antibodies provides a more complete picture of the body's immune response to various foods, allowing for a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in food intolerances.
Accuracy in Diagnosis: Measuring the two types of antibodies simultaneously increases the accuracy of the diagnosis, reducing the likelihood of false positive or negative results.
Personalized Management: Based on the results of TrophoScan 2.0, it is possible to design a personalized nutritional strategy, based on each individual's immune data. Thus, targeted interventions can be made, such as avoiding specific foods or gradually reintroducing them with the support of a health professional.

When is a Food Intolerance Test Used?

TrophoScan 2.0 is ideal for people who present:

Chronic or recurrent gastrointestinal symptoms include bloating, indigestion, diarrhea, or bowel swings.
Skin problems such as eczema, acne, or urticaria without apparent allergens.
Unexplained fatigue, difficulty concentrating, or brain fog.
Mood problems, such as anxiety, depression, or mood swings.
Musculoskeletal symptoms, such as arthralgias or myalgias.
Unsuccessful weight loss efforts, despite following a balanced diet.

These symptoms may be related to an immune response to foods consumed daily, as with allergies, without causing immediate and acute reactions.

Scientific Data on IgA in Food Intolerances

Specific IgA antibodies against food are associated with intestinal inflammation and intestinal barrier dysfunction ("leaky gut"). When the intestinal mucosa is worn out or disturbed, the immune system begins to recognize food proteins as invaders, and responds by producing IgA and IgG antibodies.

Selected Scientific Reports:

Fasano A. (2012). Leaky gut and autoimmune diseases. Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology.
Describes the role of the increased intestinal barrier (zonulin) in activating the IgA response.
Brandtzaeg P. (2013). Secretory IgA: designed for anti-microbial defense. Frontiers in Immunology.
Documents the protective role of IgA in the gut and its involvement in chronic intestinal conditions.
Knutson KL, et al. (2006). Dietary antigens in the pathogenesis of celiac disease. Immunologic Research.
It focuses on the use of IgA in the diagnosis of celiac disease and other non-classical intolerances.

How is the test performed?

The TrophoScan 2.0 test requires a blood sample, from which the specific IgG and IgA antibodies for a wide range of foods (e.g., dairy, cereals, fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, coffee, chocolate, etc.) are quantified.

Results are presented in detail per food, based on antibody concentration and severity of response (e.g., low, moderate, high response).

The importance of correct interpretation and guidance

Although the results of TrophoScan 2.0 provide essential information, they must be interpreted by a qualified health professional (doctor, nutritionist, clinical dietitian, or specialist in Functional Medicine).

Avoiding antibody-based foods is not a "fad" or trend, but a targeted tool to restore intestinal function, alleviate chronic symptoms, and improve quality of life.

The approach can be combined with:

Probiotics and prebiotics to boost the microbiome.
Supplements to restore the intestinal barrier, such as L-glutamine, zinc carnosine, quercetin, IAP.
A healing diet with reintroduction of food based on symptoms and indicators.

Conclusion

TrophoScan 2.0 brings a new era in assessing food intolerances by incorporating the simultaneous measurement of specific IgG and IgA antibodies. The addition of IgA analysis offers a deeper understanding of the body's immune response and leads to more targeted therapeutic interventions.

TrophoScan 2.0 can be the key to regaining health through a science-based, personalized approach for people with chronic symptoms of unknown etiology.

References

Fasano A. Leaky gut and autoimmune diseases. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. 2012; 42(1):71–78.
Brandtzaeg P. Secretory IgA: Designed for Anti-Microbial Defense. Front Immunol. 2013;4:222.
Knutson KL, et al. Dietary antigens in the pathogenesis of celiac disease. Immunol Res. 2006; 36(1-3):147–157.
Aristo Vojdani. The Role of IgA Antibodies in Diagnosing Intestinal Permeability and Mucosal Immunity. Altern Ther Health Med. 2020; 26(S2):12–19.
DeMeo MT, et al. Intestinal permeability defect in irritable bowel syndrome: A pilot study. Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2002; 14(6):669–675.