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

Tangerine-derived food protein antigen

Tangerine is a food-derived protein antigen from tangerine (citrus) measured as part of immune reactivity testing. It reflects how the immune system recognizes tangerine proteins at mucosal (IgA) and systemic (IgG) levels, offering insight into citrus-related immune patterns within a broader dietary profile.

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Tangerine

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About Tangerine

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About Tangerine

Overview and History

Tangerine is classified as a plant-derived food protein antigen encompassing multiple soluble proteins and peptide fragments found in tangerine fruit. Biochemically, these can include profilins, lipid transfer proteins, and other small plant proteins that are common components of citrus extracts used for immune assays. Historically, individual food proteins from fruits have been studied for their ability to trigger antibody responses; modern peptide- and protein-level testing increases specificity by distinguishing which parts of a food provoke immune recognition. In plants these proteins serve structural or protective roles; in humans they can act as antigens that the immune system may recognize under certain exposure or sensitization patterns.

Interpreting Highs and Lows

Elevated IgA or IgG reactivity to tangerine suggests the immune system has recognized tangerine-derived proteins—IgA-dominant signals tend to reflect mucosal or gut-facing responses, while IgG-dominant signals reflect systemic antibody exposure. Elevations can also arise from cross-reactivity with other citrus or related plant proteins. Low or absent reactivity generally indicates little measurable antibody recognition, which may reflect tolerance, low recent exposure, or that other foods are more immunologically relevant. Any result should be interpreted alongside the full Food Zoomer panel and clinical context to identify meaningful patterns.

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Tangerine is included in the Food Zoomer to capture immune reactivity to a common citrus food group. Measuring tangerine-specific IgA and IgG at protein and peptide levels helps reveal whether citrus contributes to an individual’s pattern of food-related immune activity, supporting targeted dietary planning and clearer interpretation of clustered responses.

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Tangerine FAQs

What is Tangerine and why is it important?

Tangerine is a marker that represents proteins and peptides from tangerine fruit used to test immune reactivity. It matters because citrus proteins can elicit measurable IgA or IgG responses in some people, and identifying that pattern helps clinicians see whether citrus fits into a broader food-reactivity profile. That information can guide how citrus is considered within personalized dietary planning.

What does it mean if my Tangerine levels are low?

Low tangerine reactivity means there is little detectable IgA or IgG antibody response to tangerine proteins in the sample. This may reflect tolerance to tangerine, low recent exposure, or that other foods are more relevant to immune activity. Low levels do not rule out other types of sensitivity and should be reviewed alongside the rest of the Food Zoomer results.

What does it mean if my Tangerine levels are high?

High tangerine reactivity indicates measurable antibody recognition of tangerine proteins. If IgA is higher, that pattern suggests mucosal or gut-associated immune activity; if IgG is higher, it suggests a systemic antibody pattern. Elevated results are signals to consider within the full panel and clinical picture rather than standalone proof of a specific condition.

Why is Tangerine included in the Food Zoomer?

Tangerine is included because citrus is a common dietary exposure and can show distinct immune reactivity or cross-reactivity with other plant proteins. Measuring it helps providers detect domain-specific patterns, compare mucosal versus systemic responses, and refine personalized nutrition strategies based on peptide-level detail.

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