A new study suggests that a blood test can help people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and identify and eliminate specific trigger foods that spoil their symptoms. Research published in gastroenterology found that patients following the diet based on the results of the test experienced significant relief from stomach pain.

How blood test works

A blood test called Infoods IBS detects an antibody level known as immunoglobulin G (IGG), which arises when the body reacts negatively to certain foods. High IgG levels indicate a strong response, which means eliminating these foods can help reduce symptoms. The test has tested 18 common foods including wheat, oats, mustard, whole eggs, cow’s milk, black tea, cabbage, corn, grapes, honey, lemon and pineapple.

Study conclusion

Researchers at the University of Michigan analyzed data from about 240 IBS patients. All participants provided a blood sample to determine their potential food sensitivity. Then they were divided into two groups:

– A group followed a diet-transportation foods flagged by blood tests.

– 1 other group followed a “Sham” eradication diet, where they avoided foods that triggers a reaction, but were not identified as direct triggers.

The results showed that 60 percent of IBS patients followed the tested diet, which experienced less stomach pain, while in Sham diet group compared to 42 percent. The benefits were particularly worth noting in patients with constipation in patients with IBS or with a mixture of constipation and dyro – where the symptom improvement rate was 67 percent and 66 percent respectively.

A step towards William Che, the head of gastroenterology and hepatology at the University of Michigan, believes that the conclusions bring IBS treatment closer to the “precise nutrition” approach, where diet recommendations may suit each patient.

Many IBS patients struggle with elimination diet, which often restrict a wide range of foods, making them difficult to follow. This test can only help to simplify the process by identifying some specific trigger foods, allowing patients to manage their symptoms more effectively without relying on drugs.

In the study, a prominent researcher Dr. Prashant Singh reported that IBS patients often ask if there is a way to determine which foods are causing their symptoms. “We have patients all the time, ‘I know food is a problem for me. Is there any way to find out which foods I am sensitive to?”

While the test shows promising results, it is not yet approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The clinical testing was funded by biomerica, developed the company Infoods IBS.

Dr. of the Institute of Digestion of Cleveland Clinic. Anthony Lambo emphasized the importance of identifying diet triggers in IBS management, saying that this test can provide a practical solution for patients seeking targeted dietary intervention.

With further recognition, this test can become a valuable tool in helping IBS patients to manage their condition more effectively through individual dietary changes.

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