Navy bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is a member of the legume family and is rich in seed storage proteins (for example, phaseolin), lectins, and other bioactive peptides. Biochemically, these components serve as nutrient stores for the seed and can be antigenic targets when consumed. Clinically, legumes like navy bean have long been examined in food-sensitivity research because their proteins and lectins can interact with the gut immune system. Testing for antibody responses to specific bean proteins and peptides provides molecular-level detail beyond whole-food extracts, supporting more precise interpretation of immune-food interactions.

Elevated IgA or IgG responses to navy bean proteins may indicate immune recognition of those proteins. IgA elevations tend to reflect mucosal or gut-associated immune activity, while IgG elevations are more suggestive of systemic immune exposure. These patterns can be associated with food-related symptoms such as digestive discomfort, skin reactivity, or fluctuating inflammatory markers in some people, but interpretation requires correlation with clinical history and the rest of the Food Zoomer panel. Low or undetectable navy bean antibody levels generally indicate little measurable immune response to navy bean proteins at the time of testing. Low levels can reflect tolerance, limited recent exposure, or that other foods or non-immune mechanisms are more relevant to a person’s symptoms. Always view navy bean results alongside other panel domains and symptom patterns for context.

Navy bean is included in the Food Zoomer to capture immune responses to a commonly consumed legume and its constituent proteins and lectins. Measuring navy bean-specific IgA and IgG supports domain-level pattern recognition across legumes, helps distinguish mucosal versus systemic reactivity, and adds peptide-level detail that aids personalized nutrition planning and symptom correlation.