KARMA CLINIC · SAN ĠWANN, MALTA
Food Intolerance Testing & Nutrition Guidance in Malta
Experiencing bloating or discomfort after meals? Understand possible causes, explore appropriate testing and receive practical, individual nutrition guidance.
Illustrative food photography. Nutrition advice is based on your symptoms, history and individual needs.
Understanding reactions to food
Food-related symptoms can be frustrating, especially when you cannot identify a consistent pattern. Bloating, gas, abdominal discomfort and changes in bowel habits can have several causes, including lactose intolerance, coeliac disease, irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive conditions. Symptoms alone cannot establish which food, if any, is responsible.
At Karma Clinic in Malta, Daniel Petre, Registered Nutritionist, offers a personalised review of your eating habits, symptoms and nutritional needs. Where appropriate, we can discuss laboratory testing and whether medical assessment or validated diagnostic tests would be more useful.
Food intolerance is not the same as food allergy
Food intolerance
Often relates to digestion or the ability to process a food or ingredient. For example, lactose intolerance can cause bloating, gas and diarrhoea.
Food allergy
Involves an immune response and may cause hives, swelling, breathing difficulties or anaphylaxis. Suspected allergy requires appropriate medical assessment.
Urgent: Breathing difficulty, throat swelling or faintness after eating requires emergency medical attention.
Laboratory panels currently listed by Karma Clinic
The existing Karma Clinic service page describes the following food-specific IgG blood panels. Please confirm current availability, contents, prices and collection arrangements during your consultation.
120 foods
Food-specific IgG laboratory panel.
220 foods
Extended food-specific IgG laboratory panel.
Premium 400 foods
Advertised with additional lactose, gluten and additive-related items; ask for the exact methodology.
Important: what an IgG result can—and cannot—tell you
Food-specific IgG antibodies generally indicate exposure to foods and may be associated with normal immune tolerance. Professional allergy organisations do not recommend IgG panels to diagnose food allergy, intolerance or sensitivity. A high result does not establish that a food is causing symptoms, and it should not be used alone to justify elimination diets. The advertised lactose and gluten entries should not be confused with validated tests for lactose malabsorption or coeliac disease.
A personalised approach to digestive comfort
1. Free consultation
Discuss your symptoms, food habits, health history, medication and concerns.
2. Appropriate next steps
Review whether a food-and-symptom diary, medical referral or evidence-based testing is indicated.
3. Nutrition recommendations
Build balanced meals and consider carefully supervised dietary changes only when appropriate.
4. Review and adapt
Assess symptoms and dietary adequacy without unnecessary long-term restrictions.
Frequently asked questions
Can a blood test tell me exactly which foods cause bloating?
No single blood test can reliably identify every food responsible for digestive symptoms. The most useful approach depends on your medical history and suspected condition.
Is an IgG food panel the same as an allergy test?
No. Food-specific IgG is not a validated diagnostic test for food allergy. Allergy evaluation may involve a history-led assessment and appropriate IgE testing under medical guidance.
Should I stop eating gluten before being tested for coeliac disease?
Do not start a gluten-free diet before discussing coeliac testing with your doctor; removing gluten beforehand can affect test accuracy.
How long do laboratory results take?
The previous Karma Clinic page states up to three weeks for its overseas laboratory panels. Confirm the current timeframe when booking.
Does a test include a personalised diet plan?
Test results and nutritional advice are separate from a fully personalised diet plan. Ask about the available consultation and plan options.
Let’s find a practical way forward
Begin with a free first consultation at Karma Clinic, San Ġwann, Malta. Discuss your concerns and the most appropriate next steps before paying for testing.
This page provides general nutrition information and is not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. Discuss persistent or concerning symptoms with your doctor.