MRT

Short answer: there is no single reliable commercial "food sensitivity" test for vague or delayed symptoms. Valid testing depends on the problem you suspect. For true allergies and specific conditions, use established medical tests done through a physician — not consumer IgG panels. Recommended, evidence-based tests and who does them For suspected immediate (IgE-mediated) food allergy: skin prick testing (done in an allergy clinic) and serum specific IgE testing (ImmunoCAP by Thermo Fisher is the most widely used, run through labs such as Quest Diagnostics or LabCorp). These tests are clinically validated and interpreted by an allergist. For complex allergy patterns / cross‑reactivity: component‑resolved diagnostics (e.g., ImmunoCAP ISAC) can add useful detail in specialist care. For celiac disease: tissue transglutaminase IgA (tTG‑IgA) and total IgA (available from Quest, LabCorp). Positive serology → GI referral for confirmation. For lactose or fructose intolerance: hydrogen breath testing performed by gastroenterology clinics or testing centers (reliable for carbohydrate malabsorption). For non‑IgE, delayed reactions or suspected food‑triggered GI conditions (e.g., eosinophilic esophagitis, food protein–induced enterocolitis): diagnosis is by specialist evaluation (GI or allergy), endoscopy/biopsy when indicated, or supervised elimination diet followed by medically supervised oral food challenge. The double‑blind, placebo‑controlled food challenge is the gold standard for proving a food causes symptoms. What to avoid IgG or IgG4 “food sensitivity” panels sold direct‑to‑consumer (Everlywell, Vibrant/Vibrant America, YorkTest and similar) are not supported by allergy/immunology societies. IgG often reflects exposure or tolerance, not harmful sensitivity, and acting on these results can lead to unnecessary, restrictive diets and missed diagnoses. ALCAT, MRT and many “mediator release” or cytotoxic panels lack high‑quality evidence and are not recommended by major professional groups. Practical next steps If you have hives, lip/throat swelling, wheeze, syncope or immediate reactions: see an allergist for skin testing and/or ImmunoCAP sIgE. If you have chronic GI symptoms (bloating, diarrhea, pain): see a gastroenterologist for evaluation (including celiac testing and breath testing where appropriate) and a registered dietitian to do a structured elimination/rechallenge safely. If symptoms are vague/delayed: the safest, most reliable approach is an elimination diet under dietitian/clinician supervision followed by medically supervised reintroduction or, when needed, a formal food challenge. If you want, tell me your symptoms and whether you’ve had prior tests; I can recommend the most appropriate next test and help you find the right specialist.

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There is no scientifically validated at-home food sensitivity test that is not a scam; medical organizations universally advise against blood tests measuring IgG antibodies (sold by brands like Everlywell, Check My Body Health, and YorkTest) because they measure food exposure rather than sensitivity and produce high rates of false positives [2][4][6]. The only evidence-based method for diagnosing food sensitivities (non-allergic reactions) is a clinician-supervised elimination diet, which is considered the "gold standard" because it directly correlates food removal and reintroduction with symptom changes [2][7][12]. Why Commercial "Sensitivity" Tests Are Considered Unreliable Claim by Test Companies Medical Reality High IgG/IgG4 levels indicate sensitivity IgG levels often reflect tolerance or simply that you eat the food frequently [2][4] Tests detect "Type III/IV" immune responses Most lack clinical validation; IgG panels are not supported by allergy societies [2][4] Results provide a definitive diagnosis They cannot diagnose allergy or intolerance; only a doctor can provide a definitive diagnosis [6][13] Accurate for vague "food sensitivity" There is no validated lab test for non-celiac gluten sensitivity or histamine intolerance [2] Major organizations including the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) and the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology explicitly recommend against using these tests [2][4][11]. The Only Reliable Alternatives If you suspect a food sensitivity, the following are the only medically accepted approaches: Elimination Diet (Gold Standard) Exclude suspected foods for ~3 weeks, then reintroduce them one by one while monitoring symptoms [7]. This is more accurate than any blood test [7]. Best done under the supervision of a registered dietitian or gastroenterologist to prevent nutritional deficiencies [2]. Specific Clinician-Validated Tests (For Specific Conditions) Food Allergy (IgE): Use the ImmunoCAP serum test or skin testing performed by an allergist (e.g., via Quest Diagnostics or LabCorp), not at-home kits [2]. Celiac Disease: Blood test for tTG/DGP antibodies followed by biopsy if positive [2]. Lactose/SIBO Intolerance: Hydrogen (and methane) breath test performed at a GI clinic (e.g., using QuinTron equipment) [2]. Recommendation Do not purchase direct-to-consumer blood tests like Everlywell, Check My Body Health, or MRT (Mediator Release Test), as the latter is also not widely accepted by mainstream allergy/gastroenterology societies despite some proponents' claims [2][3]. Instead, consult an allergist or gastroenterologist to discuss your symptoms and request the appropriate validated test (ImmunoCAP, breath test, or celiac panel) or a supervised elimination diet protocol [2][15].

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