What is Lectins (16) and Why Does the Food Zoomer Test for It?

Plant carbohydrate-binding proteins

Lectins are plant-derived proteins that bind specific sugar structures on cells and food molecules. Measuring IgA and IgG responses to lectins provides insight into how the immune system recognizes these food components and whether that recognition aligns with mucosal or systemic immune activity.

View Food Zoomer

Lectins (16)

Quality and Security

High-quality testing run in a CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited lab in Santa Clara, California.

fortified-health-HIPAA-compliance-pqgjtx4popoe2n0arp68hrz8h2as5rlhgng5b2srk8 1

About Lectins (16)

${ activeTab.tab_content.text }

View ${ activeTab.tab_content.btn_label }

About Lectins (16)

Overview and History

Lectins are a biochemical class of carbohydrate-binding proteins found widely in plants, seeds, legumes, grains, and some vegetables. They bind specific sugar motifs on glycoproteins and cell surfaces and are defined by their ability to agglutinate cells or bind glycoconjugates rather than by taxonomic origin. Historically recognized for their cell‑binding and agglutinating properties, lectins are studied for their role in food–host interactions and mucosal biology. Biologically, lectins can survive partial digestion, interact with the gut lining and mucus layer, and influence how antigens are presented to the immune system, making them relevant targets for antibody-based immune profiling.

Interpreting Highs and Lows

Elevated antibody responses to lectins may reflect increased immune recognition after dietary exposure, greater mucosal contact, or patterns of cross‑reactivity with other food proteins; such elevations are interpreted as markers of immune engagement rather than proof of disease. In the context of IgA vs IgG, higher IgA signals suggest stronger mucosal or gut‑surface immune activity, while higher IgG may point to broader systemic exposure. Low or absent antibody signals to lectins can indicate limited exposure, immune tolerance, or lack of measurable immune recognition. Any interpretation is most meaningful when assessed alongside other Food Zoomer domains and clinical information to identify consistent patterns across foods, peptides, and isotypes.

Featured Test

Included in Food Zoomer to capture immune reactivity to common plant carbohydrate-binding proteins, the Lectins (16) markers evaluate antibody patterns that may relate to mucosal contact, cross‑reactivity, or dietary exposure. When combined with dual IgA/IgG data and peptide-level resolution, lectin markers help providers identify domain-level patterns and refine personalized nutrition strategies.

View Food Zoomer

Lectins (16) FAQs

What is Lectins (16) and why is it important?

Lectins (16) is a group of markers that measure antibody responses to common plant lectins found in foods like legumes, grains, and seeds. These proteins bind sugars on cells and can interact with the gut surface. Measuring antibodies helps reveal whether the immune system is recognizing these food components in ways that align with other immune and digestive patterns.

What does it mean if my Lectins (16) levels are low?

Low lectin antibody levels generally mean there’s little measurable immune recognition of those plant lectins—this can reflect low dietary exposure, immune tolerance, or simply no detectable response. Low results are best understood alongside the full Food Zoomer profile and clinical context to see whether they fit broader dietary and immune patterns.

What does it mean if my Lectins (16) levels are high?

Higher antibody responses to lectins suggest the immune system has recognized these plant proteins and may reflect greater mucosal contact, systemic exposure, or cross‑reactivity with other food components. Elevated results indicate immune engagement but require correlation with other panel findings and clinical history to determine their relevance.

Why is this biomarker included in the Food Zoomer?

Lectins are included to broaden coverage beyond common allergens and capture plant protein–host interactions that may influence gut mucosal activity or systemic immune patterns. Measuring lectins alongside dairy, gluten, peptides, aquaporins, and additives helps providers detect domain‑level clusters and develop more targeted, personalized nutrition plans.

Browse Articles

Gluten and Autoimmunity: What Celiac Clues Might Be Hiding

Gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and related grains, is a staple in many diets worldwide. And for many individuals, it’s harmless to con...

Nancy Guberti, M.S., C.N.

Jul 2, 2025

Autoimmunity Food Reactions

Food Sensitivity vs. Allergies: What's the Difference?

Food Sensitivities vs. Allergies: Understanding the Difference with Advanced Testing

Many patients struggle with chronic symptoms like bloating, fatigue, and migraines but don’t get clear answers from standard allergy tests. As a healt...

Melissa Brescia

Mar 31, 2025

Food Reactions

Vibrant Research Spotlight: Food Sensitivity Clinical Trial

Food sensitivities can significantly impact health, causing symptoms like gastrointestinal distress, skin issues, and fatigue. Diagnosing and treating...

Jamie Haleva

Jul 29, 2024

Food Reactions Research & Innovation

The Link Between Diet and Disease: Insights from Food Sensitivity Testing

The diet and disease relationship is well established and has gained significant attention in the face of chronic ailments that may be rooted in poor ...

Jamie Haleva

Jul 15, 2024

Autoimmunity Food Reactions Longevity

About Vibrant:

The Experts Behind  Every Test

Our team is built on collaboration across disciplines to advance the science of wellness and longevity. At Vibrant Wellness, lab scientists, technologists, clinical researchers, doctors, practitioners, longevity advisors, engineers, and regulatory experts work side by side to transform diagnostics.

By uniting diverse expertise under one mission, we pioneer precision testing that empowers providers to uncover root causes, personalize care plans, and optimize patient health outcomes. Every test we develop reflects this commitment—to push boundaries in functional medicine, deliver clear, actionable insights, and support clinicians in helping patients live healthier, longer lives.

View All Tests

Results trusted by over 18,000 functional wellness professionals

We’re the leading provider of specialty wellness lab testing because we develop our testing with rigorous, ongoing research by top clinical experts, doctors, and scientists.

The gold standard of accuracy in  the lab industry

Our tests run on a proprietary 3Dense microchip technology platform that boasts unrivaled specificity and sensitivity. While most other labs carry only CLIA certification, we're CAP-accredited by the College of American Pathologists.

Our Clinical Support Team

We understand that patient care doesn't end with diagnosis. To achieve Vibrant health, patients need clinical support and
obtainable lifestyle changes. Our clinical support team helps providers make informed treatment recommendations, resulting in  better patient outcomes.

Mary Beth Augustine

DCN, RDN, FAND- Lead Clinical Educator

Suzanne Barker

MS, RDN, LD, CTTS, CGP- Clinical Educator

Suzette Garcia

MSc- MHNE- Clinical Educator

Brooke Mader Ganev

MS, CNS, LDN, FDN- Clinical Educator

Adair Anderson

MS, RDN, LDN- Clinical Educator

Lillie Luu Nguyen

DCN, CNS, LDN- Clinical Educator

Jason Barker

ND- Clinical Educator

Emaline Brown

ND- Clinical Educator

Dana Filatova

DCN, CNS, LDN- Clinical Educator

Jessy Dhanjal

ND- Clinical Educator

Nour Amri

MS, LDN, CNS, CKNS- Clinical Educator

Ready to Elevate Your Approach to Precision Wellness?

At Vibrant Wellness, we’re redefining the future of diagnostics—making complex science clear, accessible, and actionable. Whether you're a provider advancing personalized care or a patient seeking data-driven answers, our precision testing gives you the clarity to make informed decisions. Experience the next generation of functional medicine through clinically validated insights and seamless testing solutions.

Become a Provider

Become a Patient