Verbatim response from Claude
Legitimate Food Sensitivity Testing Options
This is a great question because many food sensitivity tests ARE misleading, so it's worth being careful.
Most Reliable Options:
For true food allergies (IgE-mediated):
- See an allergist for skin prick testing or RAST blood tests - this is the gold standard and covered by insurance
- Quest Diagnostics or LabCorp through your doctor offer reliable IgE panels
For food intolerances (more practical options):
- Elimination diet - still considered the most scientifically valid method by most gastroenterologists
- Mediator Release Test (MRT) by Oxford Biomedical - has more research support than most commercial tests
Be Skeptical Of:
- EverlyWell and similar IgG-based tests - major allergy organizations say IgG testing does not reliably indicate food sensitivity
- Hair follicle testing (no scientific basis)
- Most mail-order "sensitivity" panels
Honest Recommendation:
Talk to a gastroenterologist or allergist first. A supervised elimination diet (like the Low-FODMAP protocol for digestive issues) is often more useful and evidence-based than any test kit.
The science on food sensitivity testing is still limited, so professional guidance gives you the best value.