Should You Take an At-Home Food Sensitivity Test?

Written By: Jordan Stachel

At-home food sensitivity testing is a quick and easy way to measure your food sensitivity levels without going to a provider. These tests measure your immune system's response to food intake, and are conducted via bloodwork to measure the blood's immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels.[1] These tests will vary regarding what foods are measured, the process of taking them, and what is included in each testing program.

Food sensitivity tests will let you know which foods cause the highest IgG levelsIgG levels in the blood, and the next steps should be conducted under the care and supervision of a team of qualified healthcare professionals for the most seamless results.

Signs You Might Need a Food Sensitivity Test

If you are experiencing consistent discomfort after eating certain foods, there may be benefits of a food sensitivity test. Signs that you may need a food sensitivity test depend on how often you are having symptoms and the degree to which the symptoms bother you. [2] Common signs include:

• Frequent bloating or gas after eating
• Digestive discomfort such as diarrhea, constipation, or nausea
• Chronic headaches or migraines
• Unexplained fatigue or low energy levels
• Skin issues like eczema, acne, or rashes that flare up after eating certain foods
• Joint pain or inflammation without a clear cause
• Mood swings, anxiety, or irritability after meals
• Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight
• Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
• Frequent sinus congestion or respiratory issues
• Family history of food allergies or sensitivities
• Food cravings or intense reactions after eating specific foods

If you experience any of these symptoms consistently, it might be worth exploring a food sensitivity test with a healthcare provider.

Benefits of At-Home Food Sensitivity Testing

The benefits of at-home food sensitivity testing depend on the company you use and the degree of accuracy of the tests. Some general benefits of these kinds of tests include[1]:

• Convenience of taking the tests from the comfort of your own home. This process takes a medical office out of the picture, which, for many people, reduces the anxiety of getting these tests completed.
• Insight into what foods may be important to begin an elimination diet to relieve symptoms. If a healthcare provider can give you a short list of foods to practice eliminating and this results in symptom improvement, the benefits of at-home testing are significant.
• Access to a team of healthcare providers (depending on the company chosen) who work with people with food sensitivities consistently and may be able to provide peace of mind and guidance throughout the process.

How At-Home Food Sensitivity Tests Work

The process of how at-home food sensitivity tests work will vary based on the company chosen. The at-home DIY food sensitivity testing process is easy for most to complete on their own. Generally, these tests are conducted via blood tests in which blood is taken and then sent to a lab for analysis and exposed to the food components.[3] The levels of IgG in the blood are measured based on how much IgG binds to each food to which the blood is exposed. For example, if more IgG molecules bind to eggs, this may signify that trialing egg removal in an elimination diet could be helpful. This is different from allergy testing, as food sensitivity testing is correlated with IgG levels, whereas food allergy testing is correlated with IgE levels.

Typically, a lot of different foods are tested for these testing options. It is important to choose test options that screen for enough foods while not screening for an overwhelming number of food options. This leads to better guidance and less of a chance for unnecessary nutritional restriction.

Food sensitivity testing should not be used as a diagnostic measure but as information gathering. With a team of qualified healthcare providers, you can take the results gathered to take strategic next steps to reduce discomfort associated with eating.[3]

Limitations of At-Home Food Sensitivity Testing

Just as there are benefits to at-home food sensitivity testing, there are also limitations. Some of these limitations include[4]:

• Cost: Depending on your insurance and the company you choose, the cost may be a prohibitive factor for many people. Some tests are not covered by insurance.
• Foods tested: Choosing a testing option that does not screen for an overwhelming number of foods is essential. This could lead to unnecessary restrictions on food groups. If an individual believes that they are sensitive to more foods, then that may be the case. It is also essential to put results into context based on foods that are consumed most regularly. For example, if you eat peanuts consistently, you may show higher levels of IgG for peanuts, which may be misinterpreted as a sensitivity. However, this may not signify a sensitivity at all, but rather a recent or consistent exposure.[4] This is where the guidance and interpretation from healthcare providers is warranted.
• Reliability: Since there are so many testing options on the market, choosing an option that is well-vetted, accurate, and reliable for the best outcomes is important.

What To Do After Receiving Test Results

If you choose to try at-home food sensitivity testing, it is important, after receiving results, to take steps that are strategic and that don't feel overwhelming for you. This is why it is wise to work with a company that provides access to a team of qualified healthcare providers so that they can direct the next steps appropriately.

Often, after receiving food sensitivity test results, it is recommended that an elimination diet be implemented. Elimination diets are protocols in which some foods are removed from the diet to help improve symptoms of food sensitivities.[5] To do this effectively, it is crucial to be guided by a team of qualified healthcare providers. It is essential not to try elimination diets alone to avoid over-restriction of foods and general nutrients.

Popular At-Home Food Sensitivity Testing Kits

Several companies on the market offer food sensitivity testing kits. Everlywell offers some of the best at-home food sensitivity kits, offering two at-home testing options for food sensitivities. Here’s an overview of what’s on the market:

Brand	Test Offering	Description
Everlywell	Food Sensitivity Test	Measures your immune system's IgG antibody reactivity to 96 foods
Everlywell	Food Sensitivity Comprehensive Test	Measures your immune system's IgG antibody reactivity to 204 foods
Quest	Food Allergy Test Panel	Measures immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to 15 food allergens
Labcorp	Food Allergy Test	Measures Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, which are released by the immune system in response to allergens.

FAQs About At-Home Food Sensitivity Testing

What should be expected during food sensitivity testing?

During food sensitivity testing, it can be expected that a sample will be collected and analyzed. Typically, for accurate, at-home options, a small blood sample is collected via a finger prick. From there, the results are sent to a lab and analyzed. Based on blood results, a qualified healthcare provider should provide results and directives on the next steps.

How reliable are food sensitivity tests?

Generally, if you want to engage in at-home testing, it is best to use these tests as a tool rather than a diagnostic measure. These tests may provide insight into symptoms experienced, but they are not black and white in terms of always providing clear correlations. Always be sure to consult with your healthcare provider to go over your results and determine what the best next steps are for you.

How do you know if you should take a food sensitivity test?

If you are consistently having discomfort after eating, this may be a sign that you could benefit from food sensitivity testing. If you are unsure, consulting your healthcare provider is advised.

Take Control of Your Overall Health With Everlywell

Living with food sensitivities can be both uncomfortable and worrisome. The good news is that you can begin to get answers and a plan for how to minimize and/or eliminate discomfort from food sensitivities.

Take control of your health today with Everlywell and explore our various at-home lab tests available from the comfort of your own home.

References:

1. Cleveland Clinic. Do at-home food sensitivity tests work? Try these solutions instead. Published November 15, 2024. Accessed December 17, 2024. Medical Citation URL.
2. American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Food allergy testing and diagnosis. Accessed December 17, 2024. Medical Citation URL. Medical Citation URL.
3. Lavine E. Blood testing for sensitivity, allergy or intolerance to food. CMAJ. 2012;184(6):666-668. doi:10.1503/cmaj.110026
4. Gupta K. Are at-home food sensitivity tests effective? Hackensack Meridian Health, Inc. Published June 28, 2022. Accessed December 17, 2024. Medical Citation URL.
5. Malone JC, Daley SF. Elimination Diets. In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; January 9, 2024. Medical Citation URL.