Verbatim response from Claude
Legitimate Food Sensitivity Testing Options
This is a great question because the market is full of misleading products. Here's an honest breakdown:
⚠️ First, Important Context
Most at-home "food sensitivity" (IgG) tests lack strong scientific validation. Major allergy organizations consider them unreliable for diagnosing sensitivities. Be skeptical of broad panels claiming to test 200+ foods.
Most Credible Options
For true food allergies (IgE-mediated):
- See an allergist - A board-certified allergist using skin prick tests or specific IgE blood draws is the gold standard. This is genuinely reliable.
For food intolerances:
- Genova Diagnostics - Used by functional medicine doctors, more clinically grounded than consumer products
- Cyrex Laboratories - Has better methodology than most, requires a doctor's order
For specific conditions:
- Lactose intolerance - Breath test through your doctor (very accurate)
- Celiac disease - Blood test + biopsy through your doctor (definitive)
What to Avoid
- Everlywell food sensitivity panels
- Most mail-order IgG panels
- Hair analysis tests (complete pseudoscience)
Best Recommendation
Work with a gastroenterologist or allergist and consider a structured elimination diet, which remains the most validated method for identifying food sensitivities.
Would you like more detail on any specific approach?