What is it?

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is an antibody blood protein and it plays a vital part in your immune system. Your body produces IgA, as well as other types of antibodies to help fight illness.

IgA is found mainly in your respiratory and digestive tracts. It is also found in almost all other bodily fluids, such as tears, saliva, blood and breast milk.

Reference ranges

If your indicative IgA level is lower than the reference range for our laboratory:

An IgA deficiency seems to affect astma and allergy conditions, as well as link to autoimmune health problems, where your immune system attacks your own body cells.

There is no consensus on causes, treatment and effects of low IgA. Most people will not have clear and consistent symptoms of a particular problem.

Having said that, IgA deficiency seems to point in a direction of more frequent infections. In particular digestive infections and distress, sinus and lung infections.

Additionally, it can lead to allergies being more likely, as well as digestive and autoimmune deseases such as celiac or lupus.

IgA deficiency can be a genetic health problem that is passed on through generations.

You can discuss this result with your GP if you are concerned.

If your indicative IgA level is higher than the reference range for our laboratory:

Elevated IgA levels are not particularly specific. They can be a factor in pulmonary and gastrointestinal inflammatory diseases, autoimmune and liver disorders.

You can discuss this result with your GP if you are concerned.