At Makewell, we understand that allergies and food intolerances can have a significant impact on your daily life, causing symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe allergic reactions. If you are unsure what is causing your symptoms, testing for allergies and food intolerance can help pinpoint the cause, allowing you to take control of your health and improve your quality of life.
Helen, our Director of Nursing and Quality, explains the range of tests available at Makewell.
Tests Available at Makewell Clinic:
We offer a selection of tests tailored to different needs:
- Food & Environmental Allergy Test (£120) – Identifies key allergens causing allergic reactions.
- Food Intolerance Test (£120) – Detects intolerances that may be contributing to digestive discomfort and other unpleasant symptoms.
- ***New*** Comprehensive Allergy Testing – Alex 2 (£395) – A highly advanced test analysing 300 allergens, providing a detailed severity grading of allergic sensitisation.
- Junior Food Intolerance Test (for ages 2–17). (£120)
- Bespoke Tests – We can also request specific allergen tests from our partner laboratories, contact us if you want to know more.
Allergy vs. Food Intolerance – What’s the Difference?
Allergy and food intolerance are two different types of reactions your body can have to certain foods and environmental allergens.
Allergy:
Allergies involve the immune system’s response to a specific food protein or substance. When the immune system mistakenly identifies a protein as a threat, it produces IgE antibodies, which bind to immune cells. When the same allergen is encountered again, this triggers the release of chemicals such as histamine, causing symptoms ranging from mild reactions (hives, itching) to severe, life-threatening anaphylaxis.
- Symptoms: Can include hives, swelling, respiratory distress, nausea, vomiting, and anaphylaxis.
- Onset: Symptoms occur quickly, often within minutes of exposure.
- Triggers: Even tiny amounts of an allergen can cause a reaction.
- Duration: Allergies usually persist for life.
Food Intolerance:
Food intolerance does not involve the immune system but occurs when the body has difficulty digesting or processing certain foods. For example, lactose intolerance results from a lack of the enzyme lactase, needed to break down lactose in dairy products. IgG antibody levels may indicate food sensitivities rather than true allergies.
- Symptoms: Can include bloating, stomach pain, diarrhoea, fatigue, and headaches.
- Onset: Delayed symptoms, often appearing hours after consumption.
- Threshold: Some people can tolerate small amounts of the food.
- Duration: Symptoms can improve with dietary changes.
Allergy and Food Intolerance Tests at Makewell Clinic:
If you are experiencing unexplained symptoms and want to take control of your health, our tests can provide the answers you need.
Results are sent to you by email within a few days of your test and are easy-to-read. Our food & environmental allergy tests and our food intolerance tests have a clear traffic light format and our new Alex 2 test also grades the severity of the sensitisation.
Test Options:
| Test Type | Price | Purpose |
| INTOLERANCE TESTS | ||
| Food Intolerance Test | £120 | Detects intolerances that may contribute to digestive issues and other symptoms. |
| Junior Food Intolerance Test (Ages 2–17) | £120 | Intolerance test for children and young adults. Tests IgG antibodies in all 4 subgroups (IgG 1-4) |
| ALLERGY TESTS | ||
| Food & Environmental Allergy Test | £120 | Test for 23 foods and 19 environmental allergens. Identifies key allergens causing allergic reactions. |
| Comprehensive Allergy Testing (Alex 2)
Suitable from 18 months to adult. |
£395 | Analyses 300 allergens including food and environmental allergies, moulds and insect venom. A comprehensive report provides severity grading. |
| Bespoke Allergen Testing | Varies | Custom tests available upon request. |
Introducing the Alex 2 Allergy Test – Comprehensive Allergy Screening
For those seeking a more detailed understanding of their allergies, we now offer the Alex 2 Allergy Test. This cutting-edge test analyses 300 specific allergens, offering a comprehensive report that grades the severity of allergic sensitisation.
The Alex 2 test focuses on IgE antibodies, which are strongly associated with allergic reactions. Higher levels of specific IgE antibodies may correlate with increased symptom severity and the likelihood of an allergic reaction upon exposure to an allergen.
Why Choose the Alex 2 Allergy Test?
✅ Extensive Panel – Tests for 300 allergens, including foods, pollens, pets, moulds, insect venoms, and latex.
✅ Severity Grading – Helps determine the risk level of each allergen, guiding treatment options.
✅ More Accurate Diagnosis – A deeper understanding of your allergic triggers compared to standard tests.
✅ Tailored Management Plan – Enables you to make informed decisions about avoiding allergens or seeking specialist advice.
We also offer other options for allergy and intolerance tests, to suit all budgets. See links for more information.
Link to allergy and environmental test
Link to intolerance test
Link to junior intolerance test
Invest in Your Well-being Today
If you suspect allergies or intolerances are affecting your daily life, don’t wait to take action. Book your test today at Makewell Health and Wellness Clinic in Milton Keynes.
Take control of your health with confidence.
Contact us today to book your allergy or intolerance test.