Anti-WGA antibodies (wheat germ agglutinin)
Wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) is a lectin – a sugar-binding protein – from the germ of wheat and related cereals. The test measures IgG antibodies against WGA in serum.
How WGA acts in the body
WGA largely survives digestion and binds to sugar structures on the surface of gut cells. In cell and animal studies it increased the permeability of the gut lining and stimulated immune cells. IgG antibodies show that the immune system has engaged with WGA.
Raised anti-WGA – what does it mean?
Raised antibodies show an immune reaction to WGA. They occur more often with regular wheat consumption and a more permeable gut lining. No distinct disease can be derived from them, and the value is not a test for coeliac disease – transglutaminase antibodies and HLA-DQ2/DQ8 are available for that.
Low anti-WGA – what does it mean?
A low value shows no relevant antibody formation against WGA. It does not rule out coeliac disease or wheat allergy.
The interpretation is given in your report.
Also known as: anti-wga, wga, wheat germ agglutinin, lectins
Contexts in which this value is measured
- Bloating
- Abdominal pain
- Food reaction
- Joint pain
Analyses that include this value
There is currently no analysis in the shop for this value. A practitioner or doctor from the ORY expert network can tell you how else it can be determined.
View the expert networkReference ranges and how your personal value is to be read are set out in your findings report. You discuss the findings with a practitioner or doctor from the ORY expert network.