MRT

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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