Immune System Test
An Immune System Test to Support Optimum Health
Did you know that an immune system test can help you understand dietary factors that could be compromising your body’s immune response?
The immune system is the body’s defense against infection by bacteria, viruses, and toxins. This complex network of cells and organs does much more than protect us against colds and flu. It also destroys damaged cells in the body, helping to prevent serious chronic diseases like cancer. In addition, the immune system is crucial for recovering quickly from any illness. [1]
DAMPs and the Immune System
DAMPs (danger/damage-associated-molecular-patterns) are molecules released from damaged cells that start an immune system response in the body. DAMPs play an essential role in the body’s defense system and promote an inflammatory response that can compromise overall health.
Scientific research has revealed links between the presence of DAMPs and chronic inflammatory diseases, cancer, and autoimmune dysfunctions. In addition, evidence suggests that foods and nutritional supplements can create DAMPs. [2]
Eating healthy foods and taking dietary supplements in the correct dosages can, in principle, support the immune system as part of a healthy lifestyle. However, this is only true if they do not activate immune cells like DAMPs. Our specialized laboratory analysis and expert consultation can help uncover functional complaints related to DAMPs and recommend suitable therapies.
How do you recognize a weak immune system?
Symptoms of a weak immune system include:
- Repeated infections
- Fatigue
- Difficulty Concentrating
- Lack of energy
Causes of a weak immune system include:
- Inadequate or inappropriate nutrition
- Lack of exercise
- Stress
- Sleep deprivation
- Chronic diseases
- Pregnancy
- Nicotine and alcohol consumption
- A person’s age [1,3]
Is it possible to test the immune system?
Yes. However, while many organ systems are relatively easy to study, the immune system is more complicated. The reason is that the immune system is not a single organ but an interlocking set of biological processes.
The center of the immune system is in the intestines, where vital decision-making processes occur related to how the body reacts to pathogens, substances, and other dangers. In addition, the lymphatic system, thymus, spleen, and bone marrow are also essential parts of the immune response.
Despite the complexity of the immune system, there are specific tests, such as the Complete Blood Count (CBC) test and Alcat test, that allow insight into proper immune function and status. [4-7]
Blood Counts and the Immune System
Blood counts are a practical test for examining immune system cells. Only the number of white and red blood cells and platelets are counted in a small blood count. A large blood count additionally subdivides the white blood cells into subgroups called a differential blood count. This test allows more detailed conclusions to be made from the results. [4,5]
Crucial cells of the immune system
Immune cells are generally known as leukocytes. These cells include lymphocytes which produce immunoglobulins (antibodies) that are responsible for specific immune responses.
- B lymphocytes, called B cells, are responsible for producing defense substances and antibodies. These cells are formed in the bone marrow and circulate after maturation in the spleen, blood, intestines, and lymph nodes. Specialized surface receptors enable them to recognize and bind to pathogens. Activation by T cells starts the formation of antibodies. [4]
- T cells include T helper cells and regulatory T cells, also called memory T cells. They are formed in the bone marrow and then migrate to the thymus and then the lymphatic system. Regulatory T cells, as the name implies, are crucial for regulating the immune response to invaders and preventing autoimmune reactions. [5]
- Natural killer cells (NK cells) belong to the lymphocyte group but do not require a protein-specific antigen to function. They can attach to infected, diseased, and damaged cells, such as cancer cells, and destroy them by releasing cytotoxins. [5,8-11]
Granulocytes and macrophages in the non-specific immune system
Granulocytes act as a firewall to block invading pathogens within minutes or initiate the follow-up fight through inflammatory responses. In contrast to lymphocytes, they work in a non-specific way, independent of proteins and without a memory function.
- Neutrophil granulocytes form the direct, acute defense in the immune system. They recognize what is a harmless part of the body and what is a dangerous, intruding substance. These cells release inflammatory warfare agents such as extracellular traps, free radicals, and oxidative enzymes to quickly combat invading toxins and pathogens.
- Eosinophilic granulocytes engulf pathogens, especially parasites and worms, and kill them using special toxic enzymes.
- Basophilic granulocytes defend against parasites and also trigger allergic reactions. In the skin, they release the messenger substance histamine that causes the classic allergic reaction of severe itching.
- Monocytes originate in the bone marrow, move into the bloodstream, and then migrate to tissues around the body. These cells develop into macrophages, also called scavenger cells. Macrophages not only break down pathogens but also destroy old, non-functional materials produced in the body. [5,8-11]
Immune System Tests and Laboratory Analysis
Large and small blood counts provide an essential overview of a person’s immune cell distribution, immune status, and immune balance. Laboratory analysis can also detect IgA, IgG, and IgM antibodies to hormones, pathogens, and substances that affect the immune system’s well-being. This analysis includes an examination of immune function and status helpful for detecting cancer, viral infection, allergies, and also pregnancy. [1,4,5]
About Laboratory Immune System Tests
Laboratory analysis of blood values, serum, stool, saliva, and urine samples cover a wide range of applications, including:
- Detecting infections such as Streptococcal tonsillitis, Lyme disease, hepatitis C, Corona, HIV, etc.
- Differentiation of rheumatic diseases
- The prognosis for cancers such as prostate cancer (PSA blood level)
- Blood grouping to determine the match for blood transfusions
- Diagnosis of thrombosis and heart attacks by detecting a higher number of specific proteins in the blood
- Drug test for narcotics and drugs with an effect on the central nervous system
- Stool test for the early detection of colorectal cancer with detection of the blood pigment hemoglobin
- Urine tests for urinary tract infections, kidney damage, and diabetes using blood, proteins, sugars, and inflammatory cells. [1,4,11]
Tests for Immunoglobulins
Immunoglobulins (antibodies) are divided into different groups, each taking care of specific tasks in the immune response:
- Immunoglobulin G (IgG) forms the largest group of antibodies. IgG is placental and, once produced, is rapidly replenished in the event of infection or reinfection.
- Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is located on the surfaces of the mucous membranes and neutralizes invaders there.
- Immunoglobulin M (IgM) is a large molecule and not placental. It reacts very quickly and bridges the production gap for IgG.
- Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is a small molecule well known for its role in allergy. [1,9,12]
Where can I get my immune system tested?
Your doctor or a specialized laboratory can test your immune system. These professionals know what is vital regarding results when testing critical immune substances and can help recommend suitable therapies or treatments.
Does diet affect immune status?
Yes, foods are referred to as immune-modulators because they influence the immune system positively and negatively. Scientific data shows that such inflammation-triggering food reactions are mediated directly by the cellular, non-specific immune system due to a disturbance in the system – without antibodies. This type of inflammation is called food intolerance or sensitivity, in contrast to an allergy. [13-17]
How can you recognize chronic inflammation?
With the help of a specialized laboratory test, we can examine foods, additives, and dietary supplements for their tolerance or intolerance for a specific person.
Harmonizing nutrition and the immune system
Have you considered the possible role of food reactions if you aren’t feeling fit and healthy? Everyone knows what it feels like to get the flu and experience the effects of an active immune system. Even if the cell defense is directed against food, the inflammatory processes can weaken the body and promote long-term chronic inflammatory diseases and symptoms such as:
- Lack of well-being, energy, and vitality
- Weight gain
- Headaches and migraine
- Irritable bowel syndrome, flatulence, diarrhoea, constipation, etc.
- Chronic diseases, inflammatory skin rashes, and joint pain.
Not all immune system tests are created equal
Are the commonly offered IgG antibody (immunoglobulin G) tests a good measurement for an inflammatory response from food? Unfortunately, independent studies have so far been unable to establish a direct link.
In contrast, it is considered certain that IgG indicates an immunological reaction to food. Bakers, for example, showed above-average IgG wheat titers without reporting health complaints. [18-23]
Investigation of direct immune response
Unlike IgG, granulocytes recognize a food directly, determine if it is dangerous, and then attack it. Contrary to earlier assumptions, IgG antibodies do not play a dominant role in increased intestinal permeability, leading to diarrhea. Instead, neutrophil granulocytes migrate into the intestinal lumen and cause inflammatory responses. [13,14]
The cell defense system directly initiates inflammatory processes. They can influence metabolism, the nervous, hormonal, vascular, immune systems, and the psyche. They form the basis for chronic inflammations with secondary diseases, such as depression, gastrointestinal complaints, metabolic, respiratory, skin diseases, and many more. [16]
Researchers at Yale University have validated this approach, noting, for example, that the Alcat test examines direct immune cell defense responses, particularly neutrophils and eosinophil granulocytes. [15,17]
Which specialized laboratory is best for food reactions?
The Alcat cellular test meets the requirements to detect different complex immune responses involved in an intolerance reaction and their overall effect on blood cells.
The blood is confronted with foods or additives in the laboratory and examined with the Alcat test method for leukocyte reactions, especially of the granulocytes, which are 60-85 percent of the circulating leukocytes. The cells recognize multiple hazard molecules besides proteins, including fats, carbohydrates, active/vital substances, additives, toxins, and many more, some of which may not be recognized by antibody-specific immunity. [13-17]
Measurement Methods
Leukocyte reactions are accompanied by cell volume and count changes, which are measured in the Alcat test using precise flow cytometry. In Alcat reactions, researchers at Yale University have identified cell-free DNA as a specific direct inflammatory marker. [15,17]
Conclusions about the best immune system test
Why should you consider an Alcat immune system test? Because this is a nutritional approach based on reliable laboratory data that reflects the needs of your unique immunity.
A personalized approach can minimize the permanent alertness of your immune system from the foods you eat and alleviate the symptoms of chronic inflammation. As a result, you preserve valuable energy! Relieving the burden on the immune system can also positively affect immune balance, critical bodily functions, and detoxification.
What is the science based way to test the immune system? The answer is with the Alcat Test. This blood test examines the defense reactions of the first defense immune cells to foods, additives, and much more.
The immune system is a double-edged sword. The immune cells release aggressive inflammatory substances to kill pathogens during the defense process. However, these can also harm the person’s well-being and contribute to chronic inflammatory diseases.
German version of this article: Laboranalysen und Tests um das Immunsystem zu stärken
Personalized analysis package
The results of our testing are based on the laboratory data obtained from your samples and tailored to your unique immune system.
You receive:
- A comprehensive laboratory food intolerance analysis
- Individual nutrition and action recommendations
- Personal consultation with an expert in immune system health.
We offer several types of tests, ranging in price from 295 – 1000 EUR.
Contact us today for free information, and get started on your journey toward better immune system health.
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Literature / Sources
[1] Bellanti J. Immunology IV. Clinical Applications in Health and Disease. 2012
[2] Patel S. Danger-Associated Molecular Patterns (DAMPs): the Derivatives and Triggers of Inflammation.2018. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30267163/
[3] https://www.contramutan.de/ratgeber/schwaches-immunsystem.html
[4] https://biosyn.de/gesundheit/immunsystem-und-blutbild/
[5] https://www.blutwert.net/leukozyten/werte-tabelle.php
[6] https://www.doktordarm.de/wissen/darm-aufgaben-verdauung/
[7] https://www.bzfe.de/fileadmin/resources/import/pdf/eif_170910_praevention_therapie.pdf
[8] https://www.immundefekte.info/immundefekt/grundlagen/das-immunsystem/b-zellen.php
[9] https://www.immundefekte.info/immundefekt/grundlagen/das-immunsystem/t-zellen.php
[10] https://www.ifado.de/2017/03/20/nk-zellen/
[11] https://www.gesundheitsinformation.de/was-sind-immunologische-tests.html
[12] https://www.netdoktor.de/laborwerte/immunglobulin/
[13] Fasano et al. „Divergence of gut permeability and mucosal immune gene expression in two gluten-associated conditions: celiac disease and gluten sensitivity” http://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1741-7015-9-23
[14] Fasano et al. „Gliadin Induces Neutrophil Migration via Engagement of the Formyl Peptide Receptor, FPR1” http:// journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal. pone.0138338
[15] Garcia-Martinez I, Weiss TR, Yousaf MN, Ali A, Mehal WZ; The Alcat Test Predicts the Release of DNA and Myeloperoxidase by Innate Immune Peripheral Blood Leukocytes Via a PKC Dependent Pathway. Nutrition & Metabolism volume 15, Article number: 26 (2018) https://doi.org/10.1186/s12986-018-0260-4
[16] Pietschmann N; Food Intolerance: Immune Activation Through Diet-Associated Stimuli in Chronic Disease. Alternative therapies in health and medicine. Jul-Aug 2015;21(4):42-52
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26030116
[17] Yale School of Medicine: Ayaz G, Mehal WZ, Ali A; The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine; 2014;20(5):A35-A36 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/262146351_Food_Reactivity_on_the_ALCAT_Leukocyte_Activation_Test_Is_ Associated_with_Upregulation_of_CD11b_on_T_Cells
[18] Tomicić S, Norrman G, Fälth-Magnusson K, Jenmalm MC, Devenney I, Böttcher MF. High levels of IgG4 antibodies to foods during infancy are associated with tolerance to corresponding foods later in life. Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2009 Feb;20(1):35-41.
[19] Stapel SO, Asero R, Ballmer-Weber BK, Knol EF, Strobel S, Vieths S, Kleine-Tebbe J. EAACI Task Force. Testing for IgG4 against foods is not recommended as a diagnostic tool: EAACI Task Force Report. Allergy. 2008 Jul;63(7):793-6.
[20] Antico A, Pagani M, Vescovi PP, Bonadonna P, Senna G. Food-specific IgG4 lack diagnostic value in adult patients with chronic urticarial and othersuspected allergy skin symptoms. Int Arch Allergy Immunol. 2011;155(1):52-6.
[21] Tiikkainen, U. and Klockars, M. Clinical significance of IgG subclass antibodies to wheat flour antigens in bakers. Allergy. 1990 Oct;45(7):497-504.
[22] Aalberse, R.C, S.O. Stapel, J.Schuurman, and T. Rispens.Immunogloblin IgG4: an odd antibody. Review. Clinical Experimental Allergy 39, 469-477; 2009
[23] Sommer A. Vorsicht vor IgG-Test auf Lebensmittelintoleranzen – Angstmache und Abzocke. https://cara.care/de/diagnose/bluttest/igg-tests/