What is Pine nut and Why Does the Food Zoomer Test for It?

Conifer seed food antigen

Pine nut is the edible seed of pine trees (Pinus species) containing characteristic seed proteins and oils. Measuring IgA and IgG responses to pine nut proteins helps reveal whether the immune system recognizes these food components, providing insight into food-related immune patterns that may relate to digestion, skin, or inflammatory symptoms.

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Pine nut

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About Pine nut

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About Pine nut

Overview and History

Pine nuts are botanical seeds harvested from several species of the Pinus genus. Biochemically they are rich in storage proteins and concentrated seed lipids; these components serve as nutrient reserves for germination and also contain plant proteins that can be antigenic in humans. Historically consumed in many cuisines, pine nuts are studied as food proteins that can interact with the human immune system. In laboratory testing, seed proteins and peptide fragments are evaluated for antibody binding because their structural properties can drive measurable IgA or IgG responses in some individuals.

Interpreting Highs and Lows

Elevated IgA or IgG binding to pine nut proteins indicates immune recognition of pine nut components; higher IgA may point to mucosal (gut) immune activity while IgG suggests systemic immune exposure. Such elevations should be interpreted alongside symptoms, exposure history, and patterns across related foods, since cross-reactivity with other nuts or seeds can influence results. Low or absent antibody signals typically indicate little or no measurable immune recognition, which can reflect tolerance, infrequent exposure, or a lack of antigenic response. Single-marker results are most informative when viewed within the full Food Zoomer panel and clinical context.

Featured Test

Pine nut is included in Food Zoomer to assess immune responses to a common seed food and its proteins. Testing both IgA and IgG to pine nut peptides helps identify whether pine nut contributes to broader food-reactivity patterns and supports tailored dietary planning based on objective immune signals.

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Pine nut FAQs

What is Pine nut and why is it important?

Pine nut is the edible seed from pine trees, containing proteins and oils used as nutrients. In some people, those seed proteins can be seen by the immune system and produce measurable antibodies. Testing helps determine whether pine nut is part of a pattern of immune reactivity that could relate to symptoms after eating.

What does it mean if my Pine nut levels are low?

Low levels mean there is little or no measurable IgA or IgG antibody binding to pine nut proteins. This can reflect tolerance to pine nut, limited recent exposure, or simply that the immune system is not recognizing pine nut as an antigen. Interpretation is clearer when compared with other markers and clinical history.

What does it mean if my Pine nut levels are high?

High antibody levels indicate immune recognition of pine nut proteins; IgA elevations suggest mucosal (gut) involvement while IgG elevations indicate systemic exposure. Elevated results can point to pine nut being part of a broader immune-reactivity pattern, but must be interpreted with other panel results and clinical information to understand relevance.

Why is Pine nut included in the Food Zoomer?

Pine nut is a common seed food with proteins that can trigger immune responses in some people. Including it helps providers detect nut/seed-related clusters, evaluate cross-reactivity with other foods, and integrate pine nut results into a personalized pattern-based view for nutrition planning.

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