Recently there has been a growing popularity in at-home food sensitivity tests like Everlywell, Cerascreen, York Test, Genopalate, ect. As they tend to be a bit pricey, you may be wondering: Are these tests worth it? Are they accurate? The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics provides their science-based run-down of the food sensitivity tests:
What distinguishes an allergy, from an intolerance, and also a sensitivity? An allergy is when the immune system reacts to a certain protein in a type of food or group of foods. The immune system identifies this protein as harmful and makes antibodies to fight it off. An intolerance is not an immune response, but rather difficulty digesting certain foods due to lack of an enzyme needed. However, a sensitivity does not have a standard medical definition. It is sometimes used to describe an intolerance or allergy, interchangeably.
Blood tests that are offered claim to test for food sensitivities; however, there are discrepancies between the antibodies that are tested. The immunoglobulin E (IgE) is used to test for food allergies and indicates an immune system response. Food sensitivity tests usually test immunoglobulin G (IgG) which does not reliably or scientifically identify true food allergies or sensitivities. Usually IgG antibodies are produced after eating that specific food and are higher if that food is consumed frequently.
Overall, there is a lack of evidence to support at-home food sensitivity test accuracy. In some cases, modifying a diet based on these results may lead to unnecessary avoidance of healthy foods or even consumption of foods that the individual has a true allergy or sensitivity to. Always seek a health care provider (Registered Dietitian Nutritionist) for dietary advice or if you are feeling symptoms or are sensitive to consuming certain foods. RDN's can help guide you in the right direction and provide more information on food allergies and proper nutrition therapy for gastrointestinal concerns and intolerances.
-SFL Nutrition
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