Food intolerance testing – is it worth it?

In recent years, food intolerance testing has gained significant popularity, promising to unlock the secrets to digestive woes, skin problems, fatigue, and a host of other health concerns.

But with a variety of tests available, ranging from at-home kits to clinical assessments, many people wonder: is food intolerance testing really worth it? This article delves into the world of food intolerance testing, exploring its potential benefits, limitations, and what you should consider before taking the plunge.

Understanding Food Intolerance vs. Food Allergy

Before diving into testing, it’s crucial to distinguish between food intolerance and food allergy. These are often confused, but they involve different mechanisms and have varying degrees of severity. 

• Food Allergy: A food allergy is an immune system response. When someone with a food allergy consumes the offending food, their immune system overreacts, releasing chemicals that can cause a range of symptoms, from mild hives to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Common food allergens include peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish. Food allergies are typically diagnosed through a doctor’s assessment, including skin prick tests or blood tests that measure IgE antibodies. 

   

• Food Intolerance: Food intolerance, on the other hand, does not involve the immune system. It’s typically a digestive issue where the body has difficulty breaking down certain foods. This can lead to symptoms like bloating, gas, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea. Lactose intolerance, where the body struggles to digest lactose (the sugar in milk), is a common example. Food intolerances are often dose-dependent, meaning small amounts of the offending food may not cause symptoms, while larger amounts will.

Types of Food Intolerance Tests

The market offers a range of food intolerance tests, each with its own methodology and purported benefits:

• IgG Testing: This is one of the most common types of food intolerance tests. It measures IgG antibodies in the blood, which are produced by the immune system in response to food. Proponents of IgG testing claim that elevated IgG levels indicate food intolerances. However, the scientific community largely disputes the validity of IgG testing for diagnosing food intolerances. Many experts argue that IgG antibodies are a normal response to food consumption and do not necessarily indicate an intolerance. Furthermore, the results of IgG tests can be inconsistent and may lead to unnecessary dietary restrictions.

   

  Elimination Diets: An elimination diet is considered the gold standard for identifying food intolerances. This involves removing suspected trigger foods from your diet for a period of time (typically a few weeks) and then gradually reintroducing them one at a time to observe any reactions. Elimination diets are best conducted under the guidance of a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian or allergist. 

   

• Hydrogen Breath Test: This test is used to diagnose lactose intolerance and other carbohydrate malabsorption issues. It measures the amount of hydrogen gas in your breath after consuming a specific sugar. If your body doesn’t properly digest the sugar, bacteria in your gut will produce hydrogen, which is then absorbed into your bloodstream and exhaled.

• Other Tests: Other types of food intolerance tests include hair analysis, muscle testing (kinesiology), and electrodermal testing. However, these methods lack scientific evidence to support their accuracy and are generally not recommended by healthcare professionals.

Are Food Intolerance Tests Worth It?

The value of food intolerance testing depends largely on the type of test and your individual circumstances.

• IgG Testing: Proceed with Caution: Due to the lack of scientific evidence supporting its use for diagnosing food intolerances, IgG testing is generally not recommended. It can be expensive, may lead to unnecessary dietary restrictions, and may not accurately identify the true cause of your symptoms.

   

• Elimination Diets: A Valuable Tool: Elimination diets, when conducted properly, can be a valuable tool for identifying food intolerances. However, they require careful planning and execution to avoid nutritional deficiencies. It’s crucial to work with a healthcare professional to ensure you’re following a balanced and effective elimination diet.

   

• Hydrogen Breath Test: Useful for Specific Conditions: The hydrogen breath test is a reliable method for diagnosing lactose intolerance and other carbohydrate malabsorption issues. If you suspect you have one of these conditions, this test may be helpful.

   

• Other Tests: Avoid: Tests like hair analysis, muscle testing, and electrodermal testing are not scientifically validated and should be avoided. 

   

What to Consider Before Testing

Before considering food intolerance testing, it’s essential to:

• Consult with a Healthcare Professional: Talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian about your symptoms. They can help determine if food intolerance is a likely cause and recommend the most appropriate testing or management strategies.

• Keep a Food Diary: Tracking your food intake and any associated symptoms can provide valuable information for your healthcare professional and help identify potential trigger foods.  

• Consider an Elimination Diet: If your healthcare professional suspects a food intolerance, they may recommend an elimination diet as the most effective way to identify the culprit food(s). 

• Be Wary of Unproven Tests: Be cautious of food intolerance tests that lack scientific evidence, especially those that make extravagant claims or promise quick and easy results.

The Bottom Line

While food intolerance testing can be helpful in some cases, it’s crucial to approach it with a critical eye. IgG testing, in particular, is generally not recommended due to its lack of scientific validity.

¹ Elimination diets, under the guidance of a healthcare professional, remain the gold standard for identifying food intolerances. If you’re experiencing symptoms that you suspect may be related to food intolerance, consult with your doctor or a registered dietitian to discuss the best course of action. They can help you navigate the world of food intolerance testing and develop a personalized plan to manage your symptoms and improve your overall health.