30/04/2026
HTMA (Hair) analysis is a commonly misinterpreted test and is really ONLY good for qualifying HEAVY METALS analysis and NOT food intolerances which cannot be determined from a test, but rather symptomology that accompanies that food in question WHEN eaten.
A high IgG reading to certain foods does not reliably mean you are “sensitive” or intolerant to that food. In most cases, food-specific Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies indicate that your immune system has been exposed to that food possibly a food you eat A LOT of and may even reflect normal tolerance, not a harmful reaction.
Key distinction: IgG vs IgE
IgE antibodies are associated with true immediate food allergies (hives, swelling, anaphylaxis).
IgG antibodies often rise simply because you eat a food regularly.
What high food IgG may mean
A high IgG to foods like wheat, egg, dairy, etc. can reflect:
Frequent consumption of that food
Normal immune recognition/tolerance
Sometimes increased exposure through a more permeable gut barrier (theory, but not diagnostic)
It does not prove the food is causing symptoms
IgA is the point of reference if the IgG levels are very high which would suggest a gut barrier dysfunction NOT a food intolerance.
Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is a type of antibody found in your mucous membranes and body fluids. It’s mostly found in your digestive and respiratory tracts. It protects you from germs and toxins by preventing them from entering your cells, trapping them in mucus and moving them out of your body.
Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is an antibody important for mucosal immunity (gut, respiratory tract, saliva).
Low or abnormal IgA can sometimes be associated with conditions that indirectly affect mineral status:
recurrent gut infections
chronic gut inflammation
malabsorption syndromes
autoimmune gut disease
altered microbiome balance
These may reduce absorption of minerals like:
Iron
Zinc
Magnesium
Calcium
As clearly articulated the process all falls back onto the PERMEABILITY of the gut NOT the levels found in a hair analysis for foods and minerals.
So if you have had a Hair Mineral Analysis and the list of food and minerals as long as your arm i would NOT be assuming you are INTOLERANT to all of these foods.........and start analysing if the list is inclusive of a lot of food you consume often.
Allergy, Intolerance and Vitamin/Mineral or hormone levels are all better quantified via serum(blood) or stool testing so the RIGHT Immunoglobulins are correctly and accurately tested.