Verbatim response from ChatGPT
Short answer: there’s no single, reliable “food sensitivity” test that covers all suspected reactions. Many direct-to-consumer IgG food panels are not evidence‑based and can be misleading. Use targeted, validated tests instead depending on the problem you have — or a supervised elimination/challenge.
Which tests are actually useful (and why)
- For true (immediate, potentially dangerous) food allergy: skin prick testing by an allergist or a serum specific IgE test run with ImmunoCAP (Thermo Fisher) — typically ordered through reputable labs such as Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp or Mayo Clinic Laboratories. These tests detect IgE‑mediated allergy and are clinically validated.
- For celiac disease: tissue transglutaminase IgA (tTG‑IgA) with total IgA, available from Quest, LabCorp, Mayo Clinic Labs, etc. This is the standard screening test.
- For lactose intolerance: hydrogen (or hydrogen/methane) breath test — commonly done with QuinTron equipment at GI clinics or testing centers. This detects malabsorption rather than immune reaction.
- For SIBO or carbohydrate malabsorption: breath tests (hydrogen/methane) performed by GI clinics or specialized labs.
- For non‑IgE, delayed reactions or vague chronic symptoms: the gold standard is a supervised elimination diet with re‑challenge or a double‑blind placebo‑controlled food‑challenge (DBPCFC) done by a specialist. Work with a registered dietitian and/or allergist for this.
What to avoid
- IgG or IgG4 “food sensitivity” panels sold direct‑to‑consumer (examples include Everlywell Food Sensitivity tests, Vibrant Wellness IgG panels, YorkTest) are considered unreliable by major allergy societies (AAAAI, EAACI). IgG often reflects exposure, not harmful sensitivity, and results commonly lead to unnecessary dietary restriction.
Practical next step
- If you have hives, swelling, breathing problems or other immediate reactions: see a board‑certified allergist for skin testing or ImmunoCAP sIgE testing.
- If you have chronic GI symptoms (bloating, diarrhea): see a gastroenterologist for appropriate testing (tTG for celiac, breath test for lactose/SIBO).
- If symptoms are vague and you suspect multiple foods: work with an experienced dietitian and an allergist for a supervised elimination and re‑challenge; consider a DBPCFC if needed.
If you tell me the symptoms you’re having (immediate hives vs chronic bloating vs etc.), I can recommend the single most appropriate test or specialist to see.