Food Allergy Testing : Food Sensitivity Testing (ALCAT)

Wondering if food allergy or sensitivities are causing unwanted effects in your body?

A blood test for food allergies and food sensitivities is offered at our Beverly Hills office. Please view a sample ALCAT report here: Alcat Sample.

It is believed that exposure to common foods, chemicals, molds, additives, coloring may trigger activation of the immune system and cause chronic inflammation in our bodies. For over 20 years, the ALCAT (Antigen Leukocyte Cellular Antibody Test) has been providing food sensitivity testing which has been used by many physicians as a tool to manage a wide variety of conditions linked to the chronic activation of the immune system.

There is a difference between food allergy and food sensitivity. If a person is allergic to a certain group of foods (such as for example peanuts) an IgE specific immune response is triggered that can cause swelling of the lips and the closure of the throat (also known as anaphylactic shock).

Food intolerance and sensitivities do not involve a specific immune system response but the innate immune system. Food intolerances and sensitivities are believed to cause a chronic inflammatory process which is believed to manifest itself with a variety of symptoms.

Food sensitivity and intolerance symptoms may include:

Some symptoms of food intolerances and sensitivities are a result of chemicals added to foods for flavoring, color and preservation.

How does the ALCAT Test work?

The technology behind the ALCAT test is based on a blood test that measures the body’s cellular response to a wide variety of substances including different foods, additives, colorings and chemicals.  The ALCAT test has been shown to provide a high efficiency in detecting food additive intolerance as well as help in patients suffering from a wide range of medical conditions. After your test is performed a color coded summary of all your findings will be provided to you. Your physician will then go over all your results with you and explain its findings. You will also be provided with a nutritional consultation to go over all your food sensitivities and results.

The ALCAT is the gold standard for the identification of non-IgE mediated reactions to foods, additives, chemicals, and other substances.

Food insensitivity symptoms may be non-specific.

What are symptoms of food allergies?

Food allergy symptoms can be quite severe and vary from swollen lips to rash to obstruction of the airway.

Common food allergies and triggers in children are:

Common food allergies and triggers in adults are:

Symptoms of food sensitivity