We often hear stories about people who eat specific foods like nuts, seafood, etc., and develop a rash on their bodies or breathing difficulties. These instances occur because an individual eats a food they are allergic to. If there was a way to determine what foods you are allergic to, most people could avoid the foods that cause them allergies. The good news, however, is that there are tests that help identify foods that may trigger an allergic reaction. In this artilce, we will learn more about food sensitivity tests—their types, uses, and more.
Food Sensitivity, Intolerance, And Allergy: What's The Difference?
Before understanding more about food sensitivity tests, let’s get our terminologies right!
Food sensitivity, intolerance, and allergy are often used interchangeably.
However, these are not the same.
Food Intolerance
With food intolerances, the body lacks certain enzymes necessary to break down a particular food item.
Food intolerance may cause stomach upset or other digestive problems.
They are not related to the immune system, nor are they typically life-threatening.
Food Sensitivity
This stems from an immune reaction and is driven by antibodies like immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin M (IgM), and immunoglobulin A (IgA).
Symptoms of food sensitivity include digestive issues like gas, diarrhea, abdominal pain, joint pain, brain fog, and migraine.
These food sensitivity symptoms are subtle and usually do not occur immediately.
Food sensitivities are mostly not life-threatening.
Food Allergy
These are severe immune reactions to certain foods due to increased immunoglobulin E (IgE) production.
The symptoms of food allergy usually occur within 2 hours of eating the food and may include:
- Hives
- Tongue swelling
- Difficulty in breathing or swallowing
Food allergies can result in anaphylactic reaction, which is a life-threatening complication.
| Feature | Food Allergy | Food Intolerance | Food Sensitivity |
| Involvement | Immune system (IgE response) | Digestive system | Immune response (non-IgE) |
| Symptoms Onset | Rapid (minutes to hours) | Delayed (hours to days) | Delayed |
| Severity | Potentially life-threatening | Generally less severe | Varies |
| Common Examples | Peanuts, shellfish | Lactose intolerance | Gluten sensitivity |
What Causes Food Sensitivity?
Food sensitivity occurs when the body launches an immune reaction against a food that has been ingested.
It does so by producing antibodies.
Food sensitivities typically result from a combination of digestive issues, gut health, and environmental factors.
Here are some key causes:
Gut Health And Microbiome
Research suggests that gut microbiome imbalances can influence immune function and may contribute to adverse food reactions.
For example, conditions such as leaky gut syndrome, where the intestinal barrier becomes permeable, may allow undigested food particles to enter the bloodstream, triggering immune responses and sensitivities.
Environmental Factors
Stress, medications (like antibiotics), and poor dietary habits can contribute to or exacerbate food sensitivities.
Diets high in processed foods and low in fiber can reduce microbiome diversity and impair immune function.
Over time, this may predispose individuals to various intolerances or sensitivities.
Genetic Predisposition
There is a genetic component to food sensitivities.
Individuals with a family history of allergies or intolerances may be more prone to developing similar issues themselves.
Can Food Sensitivity Go Away?
The best way to deal with food sensitivity is to avoid the food causing the symptoms.
In some cases, the food sensitivity may go away with time.
But do all food sensitivities go away? Well, there is no definitive answer to that!
What Is A Food Sensitivity Test?
Food sensitivity tests measure the body’s immune response to certain foods.
During food sensitivity, the body produces IgG, IgM, and IgA, as well as white blood cells and other immune system molecules to interact with and react to the consumed foods.
These can be measured to confirm sensitivities to food items.
How To Take A Food Sensitivity Test At Home
Besides lab tests, several companies today offer at-home food sensitivity testing that claims to help an individual gain better insight into the foods that may be causing uncomfortable digestive symptoms.
You will require a testing kit to test for food sensitivities at home.
Depending upon the test kit, you will need to submit a sample of one of the following:
- Blood from a skin prick
- Strand of hair
- Mouth swab
- Breath test
Different at-home testing kits provide specific instructions on how to perform the test.
You must collect the sample after you have been exposed to food allergens.
Most companies provide their results within a few days to weeks.
Who Should Get A Food Sensitivity Test?
Food sensitivity tests are recommended for people with:
- Symptoms
- Family history of food allergies
- History of other allergies
- Chronic gastrointestinal symptoms
Who Should Not Get A Food Sensitivity Test?
One must always get a food sensitivity test after eating the food they suspect they are sensitive to.
So, people with eczema or severe food sensitivity must avoid this test.
Where Can I Get A Food Sensitivity Test?
There are several at-home food sensitivity tests that you can try. Here’s a quick comparison of the most popular ones.
| EverlyWell Food Allergy Test | Labcorp Food Allergy Test | Quest Food Allergy Test Panel | |
| Pricing | $149 | $199 | $179 |
| Global availability | Available in the USA and some online retailers | Available in the USA and some online retailers | Available in the USA and some online retailers |
| Reviews | Positive: The company has received positive reviews from consumers who report that their home-testing experience is easy and that they received the results quickly. Negative: A few negative feedbacks include: difficulty in collecting enough blood, delayed processing of reports, loss of reports, difficulty in reaching customer care, concerns about test accuracy | This is one of the few tests that are CLIA-approved and allow for mailing the samples. The results are available digitally but take longer than those of the competitors. | There are limited reviews about Quest Diagnostics’ food allergy test The company is still |
| Opinion | This is one of the few tests that are CLIA-approved and allow for mailing the samples. The results are available digitally but take longer than those of the competitors. | Though it is the most expensive home food sensitivity test, it detects about 12 foods that can trigger an allergic reaction. | While this test measures around 15 foods, the doctor must pay an additional fee to review the results. Patients are also supposed to go to give their blood samples, which makes it tedious compared to other home test kits. |
Are Food Sensitivity Tests Reliable?
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) states that the presence of IgG in blood samples tested by home kits is not a reliable identifier for food allergens.
Increased IgG levels may also result from a normal body response to food exposure.
Some research states that food sensitivity tests that rely on genetic testing are not accurate enough for diagnostic use.
Here's why:
- Many food sensitivity tests, especially those that rely on IgG measurements, have not been scientifically proven to accurately diagnose food sensitivities or intolerances.
- These tests often yield high rates of false positives. For example, individuals may be told they have sensitivities to foods they consume regularly without experiencing any symptoms
- The presence of IgG antibodies is typically a normal response to food exposure rather than an indicator of intolerance.
While traditional food sensitivity tests have their limitations, exploring your genetic predispositions can offer valuable insights into how your body might react to certain foods or drugs.
At Xcode Life, our Allergy and Drug Sensitivities Report uses your existing ancestry test raw DNA file to provide an added layer of information about your potential sensitivities.
Rated 4.7/5 By Users Like You
This report is not a diagnostic tool but a resource to help you better understand your genetic tendencies. Combined with advice from a healthcare professional and other diagnostic methods, it can guide more informed lifestyle and dietary choices.
What To Do Instead Of A Food Sensitivity Test?
Since food sensitivity tests are not reliable to determine if you are allergic to specific foods, your doctor will perform a comprehensive evaluation, which may include:
- Symptom analysis
- Probe into your family history for allergies
- Physical examination
- Skin and blood test
- Elimination diet
FAQs About Food Sensitivity Tests
How Legitimate Are Food Sensitivity Tests?
While some tests, like IgG antibody testing, claim to identify food sensitivities, they are not always scientifically validated.
Many practitioners prefer an elimination diet under their supervision as a more reliable method to identify sensitivities.
Is It Worth Doing A Food Sensitivity Test?
The value of a food sensitivity test depends on your symptoms and goals.
These tests might provide a starting point if you're experiencing unexplained digestive issues, migraines, or fatigue.’
While these tests provide a starting point for unexplained digestive issues, fatigue, or migraines, their results may be inconclusive or lead to unnecessary dietary restrictions.
How Much Does It Cost To Get A Food Sensitivity Test?
The cost varies widely depending on the type of test and provider/company.
Food sensitivity tests start at $100 and can reach around $300.
Some comprehensive and advanced lab tests, like Zoomer panels, may cost $400 to $600.
Check with your provider to see if the test is covered by insurance.
What Is A Zoomer Test?
A Zoomer test is an advanced diagnostic tool for detecting food sensitivities, intolerances, and cross-reactivity at a detailed level.
These tests analyze peptides (small protein fragments) rather than whole proteins, giving you more precise results.
Summary: Food Sensitivity Test
- Food sensitivity is an immune reaction to food and is driven by antibodies like immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin M (IgM), and immunoglobulin A (IgA).
- Common food tolerances include dairy, gluten, caffeine, salicylates, and FODMAP groups.
- While the best way to deal with food sensitivity is to avoid the trigger foods, some people may notice their sensitivity improves with time.
- Food sensitivity tests detect the presence of immunoglobulins IgG, IgM, or IgG when consuming a suspected food item.
- Several at-home and in-clinic food sensitivity tests can help you learn more about your allergies to certain foods.
- Food sensitivity tests, particularly those based on IgG antibody levels, are generally considered unreliable and not supported by substantial scientific evidence.
- People with allergy symptoms, family history of food allergies, and chronic gastrointestinal symptoms must take a food sensitivity test.
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References
- https://www.healthline.com/health/food-sensitivity-test
- https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/health/special-diets/food-intolerance-tests-are-they-worth-it
- https://www.cvs.com/minuteclinic/services/food-sensitivity-test
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/food-sensitivity-test
- https://www.osmosis.org/answers/food-sensitivity-tests
