Verbatim response from Claude
Legitimate Food Sensitivity Testing Options
This is a great question because many food sensitivity tests ARE scams, so it's worth being careful.
Most Credible Options:
Elimination Diet (Gold Standard)
- Not a product, but the most scientifically validated method
- Work with a registered dietitian to systematically remove and reintroduce foods
- No cost beyond a dietitian consultation
If you want lab testing:
Cyrex Laboratories (Array 10)
- Used by functional medicine doctors
- More rigorous methodology than mail-order tests
- Requires a physician order
ALCAT Test
- Has some clinical research behind it
- Still controversial but more credible than most
What to Avoid:
- Everlywell food sensitivity tests - measures IgG antibodies, which are not reliable indicators of sensitivity
- Most mail-order IgG tests - the science doesn't support them
- Hair analysis tests - no scientific basis
Honest Advice:
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology notes that IgG testing is not validated for food sensitivities. True food allergies should be tested by an allergist using skin prick or IgE blood tests.
A registered dietitian + elimination diet is genuinely your best investment.