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You might be disappointed to learn that a food sensitivity test is unlikely to explain your GI symptoms. Here, we discuss whether you may want to consider taking a food allergy test instead.
Figuring out if specific foods are causing unwanted symptoms is a complicated process, as food sensitivities are still not well understood. And, so far, no food sensitivity panel can accurately and definitively diagnose food sensitivities.
Food allergy tests, however, may provide information about foods that are potentially dangerous for you.
We’ll explain what we know about food sensitivities and why food allergies can be easier to diagnose. We also explore what else may be going on if you think your symptoms might be related to a specific food.
The terms “food sensitivity,” “food allergy,” and “food intolerance” are sometimes used interchangeably, but they are not the same.
In short: No. There’s limited evidence to support using a food sensitivity test at home.
Many of these tests measure your body’s immune response to a variety of foods by testing the levels of certain antibodies in your blood, such as IgG and IgG4, after you’re exposed to various food antigens.
Yet 2016 research suggests that the presence of these antibodies may not be an accurate or reliable marker of food sensitivity, especially because many other antibodies and cell-mediated reactions may also be involved in food sensitivities.
What’s more, many of the studies that companies cite to support using these tests are outdated or have been published in unreputable journals.
Some tests claim to help you understand how your body may respond to certain foods based on factors such as your genetic background. However, the research is limited surrounding genetic testing and food allergies and sensitivities.
Multiple organizations, including the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), have advised against using these tests to diagnose food sensitivities.
Notably, food sensitivity tests are not a replacement for a personalized care plan from a doctor or registered dietitian.
David D. Clarke, board certified gastroenterologist and president of the Psychophysiologic Disorders Association, explains that many GI symptoms incorrectly attributed to food sensitivity can be caused by conditions including irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, gallstones, and peptic ulcer.
If you experience symptoms, including hives, itching, and swelling after eating certain foods, it’s important to rule out food allergies, which can be quite serious. In some cases, food allergies may lead to anaphylaxis, which can be life threatening.
Doctors commonly use certain tests to diagnose food allergies:
Read more about food allergy testing.
For people who suspect they may have mild food allergies, an at-home food allergy test may be a first step in identifying potentially problematic foods.
The “first step” part is important. At-home food allergy tests are not as comprehensive or conclusive as food allergy tests administered by a medical professional. In particular, there are concerns about the high rate of false positives associated with them. At best, these tests may help reveal the potential for a food allergy, which can only truly be diagnosed by a doctor.
The AAAI currently does not endorse the use of at-home allergy testing. Additionally, at-home food allergy tests cannot officially diagnose a food allergy. Instead, they can help identify foods that you have the potential to be allergic to.
If your results suggest that you may have a potential allergy, make an appointment with an allergist to ensure accurate interpretation and establish a follow-up plan.
*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
This food allergy test from Labcorp measures IgE antibody levels in your blood for 12 potential food allergens.
Once you buy the test on the company’s website, you receive a requisition number, which you can bring to any Labcorp location to provide a blood sample.
You can view your test results (our tester received hers in 2 days) on the Labcorp patient portal and download an official report, which you can bring to a healthcare professional for further guidance.
“The whole process was very simple, from buying the kit to making the appointment and getting the results. All that’s needed is a blood sample; just remember to hydrate before to make the process go even faster.”
— Liz Hund, Healthline Senior Marketing Manager
“The whole process was very simple, from buying the kit to making the appointment and getting the results. All that’s needed is a blood sample; just remember to hydrate before to make the process go even faster.”
— Liz Hund, Healthline Senior Marketing Manager
Use code “HEALTHLINE25” for 25% off.
*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
The Everlywell Food Allergy Test measures your body’s IgE reactivity to nine food allergens: cow’s milk, egg white, egg yolk, soy, shrimp, tuna, wheat, peanut, and almond.
As with the company’s other tests, your sample will be processed in a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-certified lab, and an independent, board certified physician will review and approve your results.
You’ll need to take your sample at home and mail it in. Everlywell says you should be able to access your results through the company’s secure platform within weeks.
If your results indicate a possible food allergy, a nurse from Everlywell will contact you to discuss the next steps.
*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
This panel tests for 15 food-related allergens by measuring levels of IgE antibodies in your blood.
It’s recommended for those who experience mild allergy symptoms after eating certain foods but not for those with more severe symptoms, such as tingling or itching of the mouth, dizziness, and swelling of the throat or airways.
After purchasing the test online, you can schedule an appointment at a Quest Patient Service Center to provide a blood sample, which is collected by a trained professional. Once your sample has been processed, you can access your results online using the secure patient portal on QuestHealth.com.
In certain areas, in-home service may be available for an additional fee. If you opt for this service, a mobile phlebotomist will schedule an appointment to collect a sample at your home.
It’s still recommended that you review your results with a healthcare professional to confirm any food allergies after taking this test.
Another unique benefit of the Quest Food Allergy Panel is that if your test shows abnormal allergy levels for peanut, milk, walnut, cashew nut, or egg, the company will run additional tests on your sample at no extra charge.
After the follow-up testing is processed, you’ll be provided with specific protein information to share with an allergist or another qualified healthcare professional.
*Additional fees apply for in-home service.
According to Clarke, many conditions may cause symptoms that can be incorrectly attributed to food sensitivity, including irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, gallstones, and peptic ulcers.
If you need help finding a primary care doctor, check out our FindCare tool here.
It’s debatable. Food sensitivity tests measure the level of IgG antibodies in your blood after exposure to various food allergens. The higher the level of antibodies, the test companies say, the greater the chance of a food sensitivity.
But these tests are not widely accepted in the medical world. Many experts warn that the IgG measure is not an accurate or reliable marker of food sensitivity. There are also concerns about the high rate of false positives with the tests.
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, for example, actually advises against using them.
So far, no food sensitivity test has earned approval of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
It’s debatable. Food sensitivity tests measure the level of IgG antibodies in your blood after exposure to various food allergens. The higher the level of antibodies, the test companies say, the greater the chance of a food sensitivity.
But these tests are not widely accepted in the medical world. Many experts warn that the IgG measure is not an accurate or reliable marker of food sensitivity. There are also concerns about the high rate of false positives with the tests.
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, for example, actually advises against using them.
So far, no food sensitivity test has earned approval of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Taking a food sensitivity test at home is not currently considered a reliable or accurate method of diagnosing food sensitivities.
An at-food allergy test may reveal a potential for a food allergy, but only a medical doctor can provide a true diagnosis.
If you experience symptoms after eating certain foods, it’s best to talk with a health professional. They can rule out other potential causes, determine the best course of treatment, and provide guidance on necessary dietary changes.
Last medically reviewed on February 12, 2024
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Jerlyn Jones, MS MPA RDN LD CLT
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