What Are Tests for Food Sensitivity and Why Might You Get One?

Written By: Jordan Stachel

Food sensitivity tests can be an important tool when you are curious about any sensitivities you may have or if you are having uncomfortable symptoms. Food sensitivity tests can paint a better picture of foods to which you may be sensitive, so you know what to avoid to feel your best. Read this article for everything you need to know.

Common Types of Food Sensitivity Tests

Blood tests: Many food sensitivity tests are done via blood tests in which blood is taken and exposed to specific foods. The blood is then tested for the total amount of immunoglobulin (IgG) antibody that binds to each food.[2] Typically, many foods are tested for during these tests—under several different food categories. For example, a person may be tested to see if they are sensitive to dairy, and the dairy category may include several different dairy-based foods with different dairy-based proteins.

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) tests: A type of blood test, these test for food-specific IgE levels in blood.[2] These are more commonly used to test for food allergies, but there can be overlap in food sensitivity testing as well. Blood tests can also look at immunoglobulin subclass 4 (IgG4) levels. The relation between IgG4 levels and food sensitivities is less concrete, but there is some research to indicate that IgG4 levels are a better marker of overall exposure to foods that may evoke an immune response.[2]

Genetic testing: Some people wonder if genetic testing can play a role in diagnosing food sensitivities or allergies. While genes are considered to be a risk factor for developing food allergies, the research is not conclusive here and genetic testing overall is not typically considered a reliable way to test for them.[3]

At-home testing: While not all are created equal, Everlywell’s Food Sensitivity Comprehensive Test offers an at-home option to test for sensitivities for a wide array of foods that may be causing an individual discomfort. It is a finger prick sample that collects blood and then screens for the body’s IgG reactivity to 204 different foods. You are then given a rating from zero to three for each food, with a zero signifying a normal reaction and a three signifying a high reaction to the food tested. While this test is considered one of the best on the market, it is still important to consult qualified healthcare providers for their readings and interpretations of the test’s results and to go for any follow-up testing that may be recommended.

Other Types of Tests for Food Sensitivities

Elimination diet: An elimination diet is a non-invasive type of testing in which a group or groups of foods is removed from the diet to see if uncomfortable symptoms after eating subside. Some types of elimination diets include going gluten-free or following the low FODMAP (fermentable oligo-, di-, monosaccharides, and polyols) diet.[5] Often in elimination diets, the focus is on removing high-allergen foods such as eggs, milk, soy, wheat, nuts, and shellfish.[5] Some people may need to remove foods from all of these groups, while other people may only need to remove some high-allergen food groups. It is best to work with a dietitian or a qualified healthcare provider throughout this process so that it is streamlined and effective for the person. They can help you come up with a menu and food prep ideas to make your life easier. Once the foods are eliminated for around four to six weeks, foods are reintroduced in a systematic way, with monitoring of symptoms taking place.[6] While elimination diets may not work for everyone, they can be helpful for some people to determine which foods to which they may be sensitive.

Hydrogen breath test: This is a non-invasive test that can help diagnose conditions like small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and/or lactose intolerance.[7] It can also test for intolerances to specific sugars like fructose, sucrose, or sorbitol.

In addition, companies like Everlywell pair elimination diets with more sophisticated testing, like blood tests. Doing combination testing may also help to shed light on which foods an individual is sensitive to.

Food Sensitivity Versus Food Allergy

When discussing food sensitivity tests, it can be helpful to begin by understanding what food sensitivities are and the differences between food sensitivities and food allergies. Food sensitivities, also known as food intolerances, mainly affect a person’s digestive system and have less serious symptoms associated with them than food allergies.[1] Food sensitivities present differently from person to person, and people may be able to tolerate small amounts of foods that they have sensitivities to without experiencing any major symptoms.

For example, if someone has a food sensitivity or an intolerance to lactose, they may be able to eat small amounts of lactose without experiencing significant, uncomfortable symptoms. However, if that person consumes too much lactose in one sitting, they may experience more discomfort, usually via the digestive system.[1]

Food allergies are different from food sensitivities, as food allergies mean that you cannot eat any amount of the trigger food safely. If a person has a nut allergy, they are unable to consume any amount of that nut without experiencing serious symptoms. This is because food allergies affect the immune system and any amount of the offending food will set off an immune response that can have various, serious symptoms, some with the potential to be life-threatening.[1]

What Are Common Symptoms Experienced With Food Sensitivities?

If you are wondering whether you should have food sensitivity testing conducted, it is helpful to start by exploring any symptoms that you may be having after eating. The most common types of food sensitivities include lactose, histamine, and gluten.[4]

• People experience a lactose intolerance when they don’t make enough of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down lactose when it is consumed.
• People experience histamine intolerances when they don’t make enough of the enzyme diamine oxidase to break down histamines found in foods like cheese, pineapple, banana, avocado, and chocolate.[4]
• People may experience a gluten sensitivity when they can’t break down the gluten protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. It should be noted that gluten sensitivity is different from celiac disease, in which gluten ingestion cannot happen in any quantity, as it damages the small intestine.[4]

As mentioned above, the most common symptoms of food sensitivities are digestion-related. These can typically be diarrhea, bloating, gas, or general stomach pain.[5] If you are having any of these symptoms on a consistent basis after eating, taking a food sensitivity test may be appropriate for you.

Other Testing Options for Food Allergies

There are also other ways to test an individual for food allergies. In addition to your healthcare provider obtaining a detailed medical and genetic history, they can also do a physical exam to help screen for food allergies.

Beyond that, it is also common to conduct a skin test in which a small amount of food is put on the skin and then the skin is pricked to allow the food substance into the skin’s surface.[8] From there, you are monitored for any bumps or reactions that may appear. However, even if a reaction appears, this does not conclude that an allergy exists.

Blood tests, like Everlywell’s comprehensive allergy test, are also used. These are considered to be more accurate testing measures, as they measure the levels of IgE present in the blood due to the immune system’s response to food ingestion.

Elimination diets and oral food challenges may also be used, but are not as effective as the blood test.

End the Guesswork Today With Everlywell

Everlywell offers many options for screening for food sensitivities. Between the Food Sensitivity Test, which screens for 96 common foods that people are sensitive to, and a two-part elimination diet, Everlywell provides comprehensive options depending on what is best for you and your needs. From there, you will be given a report and can meet with qualified healthcare providers to help get to the bottom of any uncomfortable symptoms that you may be experiencing because of food sensitivities or allergies. Take control of your health and improve your quality of your life today with Everlywell.

1. Food allergy vs. food intolerance: What’s the difference? Mayo Clinic. Published February 28, 2024. Accessed November 5, 2024. Medical Citation URL.
2. Lavine E. Blood testing for sensitivity, allergy or intolerance to food. Canadian Medical Association Journal. 2012;184(6):666-668. doi:10.1503/cmaj.110026. Published April 3, 2012. Accessed November 5, 2024. Medical Citation URL.
3. Li J, Maggadottir SM, Hakonarson H. Are genetic tests informative in predicting food allergy? Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 2016;16(3):257-264. doi:10.1097/aci.0000000000000268. Published June 1, 2017. Accessed November 5, 2024. Medical Citation URL.
4. Food intolerance. Cleveland Clinic. Published May 1, 2024. Accessed November 5, 2024. Medical Citation URL.
5. Food intolerance. National Health Service. Published October 23, 2023. Accessed November 5, 2024. Medical Citation URL.
6. Malone JC, Daley SF. Elimination diets. StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. Published January 9, 2024. Accessed November 5, 2024. Medical Citation URL.
7. Hydrogen breath test. Cleveland Clinic. Published May 1, 2024. Accessed November 5, 2024. Medical Citation URL.
8. Food allergy - Diagnosis and treatment. Mayo Clinic. Published August 30, 2024. Accessed November 5, 2024. Medical Citation URL.