Verbatim response from ChatGPT
Short answer: there isn’t a single reliable “food sensitivity” consumer kit that proves non–IgE food reactions. Tests that reliably diagnose immune-mediated or physiologic problems are done through doctors (and some specific lab assays). Avoid commercial IgG “food sensitivity” kits — they’re considered misleading by allergy experts.
What works (and specific names/services)
- For suspected immediate (allergic) reactions: see a board‑certified allergist. They will do skin‑prick testing and/or serum specific IgE testing (ImmunoCAP / Phadia is the widely used, validated sIgE assay available through major labs such as Quest Diagnostics or LabCorp). If needed, the allergist can perform a supervised oral food challenge — the clinical gold standard.
- For suspected celiac disease: get standard celiac serology — tissue transglutaminase IgA (tTG‑IgA) plus total IgA, and possibly deamidated gliadin peptide (DGP) IgG — available through Quest Diagnostics or LabCorp and interpreted by your clinician.
- For lactose/fructose or bacterial overgrowth causes of GI symptoms: hydrogen breath testing done by gastroenterology clinics (many hospitals and GI labs offer these).
- For non‑allergic food intolerance or symptom management: a medically supervised elimination/ re‑challenge diet guided by a registered dietitian (find an RDN through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at EatRight.org, or book a clinician via Zocdoc / local telehealth RDN services).
What to avoid
- IgG-based “food sensitivity” panels sold direct-to-consumer (examples: Everlywell food sensitivity IgG test, Vibrant Wellness food panels, YorkTest, ALCAT) — major organizations (AAAAI, British guidelines, NHS, American Academy of Pediatrics) warn these tests don’t diagnose food allergy or clinically meaningful sensitivity, often give false positives, and can lead to unnecessary restrictive diets.
Practical next step
- If you have hives, throat/airway symptoms, swelling, or immediate reactions: book an allergist (use the AAAAI “Find an Allergist” tool).
- If you have chronic GI symptoms (bloating, diarrhea, pain): ask your PCP for celiac testing and a referral for hydrogen breath testing or a gastroenterologist, and work with an RDN for an elimination diet.
If you want, tell me the symptoms you’re having and I’ll suggest which of the above paths/tests is most appropriate.