Mayo Clinic Q&A: Testing for food allergies and sensitivities

A trained allergist should perform food allergy testing. Some patients may undergo an immunoglobulin E antibody food-specific blood test. Although this can help identify an allergy, this test alone does not mean there is a food allergy and an allergist should interpret the lab results to confirm.

Food sensitivity testing

No single test is available for food sensitivity or intolerances. Although many tests are advertised, the recognition that there is not one test is a statement supported by the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology, the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, and the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

The advertised food sensitivity kits typically use what is known as an immunoglobulin G antibody assay to test if a person has food sensitivities. These companies claim that if foods high in immunoglobulin G that were tested are removed, symptoms will improve for multiple conditions. An immunoglobulin G antibody is a memory antibody, and it determines exposure to a food — not an allergy, though some research shows that higher levels of immunoglobulin G4 are associated with better tolerance to foods.

When you are unable to find answers or want to find a way to treat symptoms without medication, it can be frustrating. However, research does not support immunoglobulin G food sensitivity tests.

Food sensitivity or intolerance testing can lead to unnecessary food restrictions, increased stress and anxiety surrounding food, fear of foods, as well as overall poor nutrition and wellness. Also, these tests may lead to misdiagnosis of possible underlying conditions. And in some cases, they may worsen gastrointestinal symptoms.

If you are having stomach or bowel issues, and are concerned about a food allergy, seek out a trained allergist, or a gastroenterologist. It also would be recommended to talk to a dietitian before making any drastic nutritional changes. — Krista Kerlinske, R.D.N., and Lindsey Sefried, R.D.N. — both in Clinical Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota

(Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. E-mail a question to MayoClinicQ&A@mayo.edu. For more information, visit www.mayoclinic.org.)