Functional medicine doctors often consider food sensitivity testing. Food sensitivities are a type of adverse food reaction, which can be more common than food allergies. These sensitivities might cause delayed responses up to 72 hours after eating, making them challenging to identify without testing methods. The Food Inflammation Test from KBMO Diagnostics is designed to help identify food sensitivities, inflammation, and support gut health with one test.
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What is the FIT from KBMO Diagnostics?
The Food Inflammation Test (FIT) is a food sensitivity test that uses a patented approach of measuring both IgG antibodies and immune complexes to help detect food sensitivities and inflammation with one test. KBMO offers three FIT panels, varying by the number of tested foods and additives.
The FIT 22 assesses 22 of the most common food sensitivities via a bloodspot test, making it easy for patients to collect at home.
The FIT 132 measures sensitivity to 132 different foods and additives. There is a serum and blood spot version of this panel available.
The FIT 176 is the most comprehensive panel, assessing sensitivities to 176 different foods and additives. It is also available in either serum or blood spot versions.
What is the Gut Barrier Panel from KBMO Diagnostics?
The Gut Barrier Panel (GB Panel) is KBMO's screening test that measures IgG1-4/C3d and IgA1-2 immune proteins against three biomarkers associated with gut health (i.e., occludin, Candida, and LPS). Measuring IgG1-4/C3d and IgA1-2 antibodies allows a more complete understanding of the mechanisms underlying immune activation and inflammation. The GB Panel is included in both the FIT 132 and FIT 176 tests.
What is the Zonulin Assay from KBMO Diagnostics?
The Zonulin Assay is KBMO's most recently developed assay, which is also included on both the FIT 132 and FIT 176 tests. Zonulin is a key biomarker of intestinal permeability. The Zonulin Assay measures zonulin IgG antibodies, which may increase testing accuracy by addressing issues of cross-reactivity and specimen stability associated with other tests that measure the zonulin protein.
What is the Meal Plan Add-On?
A customized seven-day meal plan can be added to the FIT 132 and FIT 176 tests. Created by KBMO's nutrition team, this meal plan is personalized for the patient based on their FIT results.
Which Patients is the FIT Best Used For?
Food sensitivities can be associated with a variety of systemic symptoms. When adverse food reactions are suspected as underlying a patient's complaints and symptoms, but a diet diary and/or preliminary food elimination have not resulted in the anticipated positive improvements, the FIT test can be helpful in identifying specific food triggers.
Common signs and symptoms of food sensitivities may include:
- Digestive symptoms: abdominal pain, cramps, bloating, constipation, diarrhea
- Skin conditions: eczema, psoriasis, acne, rash
- Runny nose and post-nasal drip
- Headaches and migraines
- Fatigue and brain fog
- Joint and muscle pain
- Anxiety and depression
Many food sensitivity tests don't include panels that assess gut health. The FIT is a comprehensive testing option for patients who suspect gut health issues may contribute to food sensitivities and other symptoms.
How to Use the FIT from KBMO Diagnostics in Clinic
No special patient preparation is required prior to either the bloodspot or blood draw versions of the FIT. Doctors should ensure they order the correct version of the test for the patient.
The test includes an easy-to-interpret report in which food sensitivities are graded on a scale from 0-6. If ordered, a customized meal plan will also accompany the test results. KBMO also offers a mobile app for patients to access their test results and meal plans easily.
An elimination diet is often considered as the next step after receiving food sensitivity results. All foods graded three and above might be eliminated from the diet, typically for 4-6 weeks. After the elimination phase, foods are reintroduced into the diet one at a time, and symptoms are tracked for up to three days after consumption to see if the food sensitivity still exists. If negative symptoms occur in response to the food reintroduction, the food may be eliminated from the patient's diet again. The goal is that patients can reintroduce all or most foods back into their diet in moderation.
Positive results on the GB Panel and Zonulin Assay suggest that a gut health protocol might be beneficial in combination with the elimination diet. Digestive enzymes, probiotics, and gut-supporting herbs and supplements can be considered during the elimination to support intestinal health and food tolerance.
Summary
Food sensitivity panels can be helpful tools in identifying hidden food sensitivities and gut health issues that may contribute to adverse reactions and unwanted symptoms. Shared symptoms of food sensitivities and gut health issues may include fatigue, changes in bowel movements, abdominal pain, skin rashes, and headaches. KBMO offers three FIT panels, gut health screening, and zonulin antibody measurement to help identify food sensitivities, intestinal permeability, and associated inflammation. Treatment plans can be more effective when using FIT panels to guide elimination diets and gut-supporting protocols.
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